Bad news for Indians going to US as Trump administration takes big decision on visa
Visa Integrity Fee: The One Big Beautiful Bill has come as a shocker for the Indian traveller who is planning to go to the United States. Under the bill, the US visa will become 2.5 times more expensive from 2026. The American government will charge USD 250 from people visiting the country as an integrity fee, which will be non-refundable. These developments are going to affect Indian students and IT professionals who go to the US for study and job purposes. Additionally, the fee can be changed every year based on the inflation rate.
It is worth mentioning that earlier, getting an American visa was not that difficult for students, IT professionals, and tourists. Also, it didn't affect the pocket that much. But after the implementation of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', travelling to America is going to a burden on pocket for travellers. United States President Donald Trump has passed the new law on July 4, promising to make 'America great again'. Under this law, a new fee will be applicable from 2026 – 'Visa Integrity Fee'. How Much Is Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new fee of USD250 (approx Rs 21,400), imposed by the Trump administration. This fee will come in force from nest year, 2026 and will be non-refundable in nature. Notably, the fee is not static, which means it can be changed every year depending on the inflation rate. A new visa integrity fee has increased the cost of some visas from Rs 16,000 to over Rs 40,000. Who Will Have To Pay The Visa Integrity Fee?
According to the law, the person who is issued a non-immigrant visa will have to pay this fee. It will be collected by the Department of Homeland Security. US-based immigration consulting company Fragomen said that the Visa Integrity Fee is part of a major reform in travel-related fees. This includes a USD24 fee on I-94, a USD13 cost in the Visa Waiver Program and a USD30 EVUS tax imposed on Chinese citizens.
As per the law, the person who is issued a non-immigrant visa will have to pay this fee. The fee will be collected by the Department of Homeland Security. US-based immigration consulting company – Fragomen – stated that the new Visa Integrity Fee is part of a major reform in travel-related fees. The fee structure includes- USD24 fee on I-94, a USD13 cost in the Visa Waiver Program and a USD30 EVUS tax imposed on Chinese citizens. It will mostly affect non-immigrant visa holders.
Will be applicable on tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2).
Students studying in America will have to pay this fee.
Professionals going to the US for jobs will have to pay this fee.
Individuals with Exchange Visitor Visa (J) will also have to pay this fee.
Diplomatic visa holders (A and G categories) will be exempted. How Much More Expensive Will The US Visa Be Now?
Currently, US B-1/B-2 visa fees are USD185. A significant price increase is scheduled for 2026. Visa fee – USD185 (Rs 15000)
Visa Integrity Fee – USD250 (approx Rs 21,400)
I-94 fee- USD24 (Rs 2,000)
ESTA fee- USD13 (approx Rs 1200)
Total fee- USD472 (approx Rs 40,000)
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