Latest news with #FormI-94
India Today
03-08-2025
- Business
- India Today
New rules for US student visas in 2025: Fee hike, social media checks and more
The big beautiful dream of studying in the United States is set to become tougher for international students, particularly those from India. Backed by former President Donald Trump, a series of new visa policies are changing the grounds of higher education migration. With higher fees, tighter screening, and stricter stay limits now on the table, students planning to pursue degrees in the US will need to prepare for added costs and closer VISA FEE INTRODUCEDAt the centre of the changes is the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', signed by Trump on July 4, 2025. The bill introduces a 'Visa Integrity Fee' of 250 USD (21,463) and a mandatory charge of 24 USD (2,060) for the Form I-94, a key document that tracks the movement of foreign charges are not optional, and they apply to all applicants under F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas, the core categories for international education. Another mandatory charge now applies to the Form I-94, which is used to track entries and exits of foreign nationals. The new mandatory minimum fee for Form I-94 is 24 USD (around 2,060). Both fees apply to all applicants, including students from India applying for F, M, or J MEDIA NOW A SCREENING TOOLIn a policy that's gaining attention, the US Embassy in India recently directed all student visa applicants to make their social media profiles public during the visa application process. This applies to applicants for the F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitor) visa 2019, the US has required visa applicants to submit their social media handles as part of the application process. What's new is the emphasis on public visibility and the likely scrutiny of content shared on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and purpose, according to US officials, is to ensure transparency and detect any red flags that could indicate a risk of visa overstay or violation of TIME LIMITS PROPOSED FOR STUDENTS TO STAYA major policy proposal still under review is the introduction of fixed stay limits for student visas. At present, students holding F or J visas can stay in the US as long as they remain enrolled full-time. This is known as 'duration of status.'However, under the new proposal, the US government intends to introduce a fixed time frame, possibly 2 or 4 years, depending on the course and the expiration of this period, students would be required to apply for an extension to remain in the US. While the official rollout date has not been confirmed, sources suggest the implementation could begin before the end of IN THE US IN 2025: WHAT ELSE TO EXPECTadvertisementWhile Indian students continue to apply to US universities in large numbers, 2025 brings a slightly altered landscape. With US consulates already processing a record volume of visa appointments, delays are are advised to apply early, keep documentation updated, and be transparent about their digital trend is that community colleges and vocational training schools are under greater scrutiny, while applications from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields continue to receive strong support from US institutions and universities have also made AI and climate-focused courses more prominent, reflecting global shifts in Indian students, the challenge is two-fold: navigating the evolving rules and preparing stronger applications.- Ends
NDTV
02-08-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Student Visa 2025: 3 Key Changes Indian Applicants Must Know
US Student Visa 2025 Changes: The United States has introduced major changes to its student visa application process-these include an increased student visa application fee, mandatory social media screening, and a proposed time limit on student visas. While some of these updates are already in effect, others are expected to roll out starting this September, likely increasing scrutiny and documentation requirements. Here are the 3 key changes for Indian students applying for a US student visa: 1. Increased US Student Visa Fee As part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025 a new "visa integrity fee" of 250 US dollars (Rs. 21,463) is applicable to all applicants, including Indian students. The bill also includes a mandatory minimum fee of 24 US dollars (Rs. 2060) for Form I-94, which tracks arrivals and departure of foreign visitors. 2. Mandatory Social Media Screening for Indian Applicants The US Embassy in India recently announced that those applying for F, M, or J non-immigrant visa are required to adjust their privacy settings to "public" on all social media accounts. These visa categories are commonly used by academic students. The F visa is for academic students, the M visa is for vocational students, and the J visa is for exchange visitors. The embassy also reiterated that since 2019 the US has required all visa applicants to submit their social media handles on both immigrant and non-immigrant application forms. 3. Proposed "Time Limit" on Student Visas In a recent step to reduce visa overstays, President Trump has proposed a fixed time limit on student visas. Currently, F-1 and J-1 visa holders are allowed to stay in the US for the "duration of status," meaning as long as they are enrolled full-time. Under the new proposal, a fixed stay period will be introduced, with extensions only possible through periodic applications. The implementation date for this proposal is yet to be announced. As the US continues to tighten its immigration policies, staying updated and compliant will be key to a smooth transition to international education.
American Military News
25-07-2025
- Business
- American Military News
US requiring $250 ‘visa integrity fee' as part of Trump's ‘big beautiful bill'
President Donald Trump's administration will require foreign travelers to pay a $250 'visa integrity fee' that can be refunded if travelers do not overstay their visas or accept authorized employment while visiting the United States. According to CNBC, the $250 'visa integrity fee' was included as part of the president's 'big, beautiful bill' that was signed into law on July 4. The outlet noted that the new visa fee will apply to anyone visiting the United States who needs nonimmigrant visas, including international students, tourists, and business travelers. A provision included in the president's 'big, beautiful bill' states, 'In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the payment of a fee, equal to… such amount as the Secretary of Homeland Security may establish.' CNBC reported that some foreign travelers, such as individuals traveling from Japan, Australia, and certain European countries, may not be required to have visas as part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The outlet noted that foreign travelers have the opportunity to have the 'visa integrity fee' returned to them if they meet certain conditions, such as not overstaying their visa for over five days and not accepting unauthorized employment while staying in the country. READ MORE: Pic: Trump admin approves 120,000+ visas for foreign workers According to CNBC, while the new visa fee is expected to cost foreign travelers $250 throughout Fiscal Year 2025, the provision in the 'big, beautiful bill' allows the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to increase it to a higher fee. Additionally, the visa fee will be adjusted for inflation following Fiscal Year 2025. The new visa fee will be paid by foreign travelers when they are issued a visa to travel to the United States, according to CNBC. In addition to the 'visa integrity fee' and other fees, the president's bill increased the 'Form I-94 fee' from $6 to $24. In a statement to CNBC, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said, 'President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill provides the necessary policies and resources to restore integrity in our nation's immigration system.'
Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What is US visa integrity fee? Here's who pays extra $250 and how to get refund
The Donald Trump administration's announcement of a 'visa integrity fee' could have big repercussions for the tourism industry. The $250 fee was a provision in Trump's recently enacted tax bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It has yet to be implemented, ABC News reported. However, it could harm the flow of visitors to the country, especially in light of the FIFA World Cup next year. Trump administration introduces US Visa integrity fees(Representational Image) Details about the new provision and its implementation are scant. This has led to 'significant challenges and unanswered questions regarding implementation,' a U.S. Travel Association spokesperson told CNBC Travel. Here is everything you need to know about the visa integrity fee and how it could impact you. US visa integrity fee: Who does it apply to? The fee applies to all visitors who require non-immigrant visas to enter the United States. This includes tourists, business travelers, as well as international students. The amount cannot be waived. Citizens of over 40 countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program could be exempt from the new fee. This includes Japan, Australia, and several European countries. Visa integrity fee: Will the amount be the same for all categories? Yes, all visitors need to pay at least $250 for the US fiscal year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The Secretary of Homeland Security has the power to set the fee higher, according to the provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill. After that, the visa integrity fee will be adjusted for inflation, CNBC reported. US visa integrity fee: Can it be reimbursed? As per ABC News, the travelers who do not overstay their visa or take part in unauthorized work could be reimbursed once the visa expires, but the exact details are unclear as of now. According to the provision, the fee must be paid when the visa is issued. Individuals whose visa requests are denied will not have to pay the amount. Potential impact of visa integrity fee on US travel plans The fee makes it more expensive to travel to the US since it will be levied 'in addition to' other charges, including regular visa fees. The regular charges also include the 'Form I-94 fee.' The charge must be paid by anyone who needs to give a Form I-94 arrival and departure record, and this applies to most travelers. The Big Beautiful Bill had hiked the fee from $6 to $24, per the outlet. The extra charges could lead to many travelers and international students thinking twice about their US study or visit plans. This comes as the country is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada, and the 2028 Olympics as well. The visa integrity fee and the lack of clarity regarding its implementation could lead to a drop in numbers, especially of B visa holders, Steven A. Brown, partner at Reddy Neumann Brown, a Houston-based immigration law firm, told the outlet. FAQs: What is the visa integrity fee? It is a $250 levy on all visitors who need a non-immigrant visa to enter the US. When will the visa integrity fee be implemented? The exact details regarding the implementation remain unclear. Will the visa integrity fee replace other visa fees? No, it will be charged in addition to other visa fees.
21-07-2025
- Business
What travelers should know about new $250 'integrity fee' for US tourist visas
Travelers planning to visit the United States and apply for a tourist visa may experience some sticker shock after a new "visa integrity fee" goes into effect. What to know about new US visa Integrity Fee Although it has yet to be implemented, President Donald Trump's megabill -- which encompasses tax cuts, spending packages and immigration policy and was signed into law earlier this month -- includes a provision that gives the Department of Homeland Security authority to charge fees on foreign visitors. The new $250 "visa integrity fee," as defined in the legislation, applies to travelers who are applying for non-immigrant visas to enter the U.S. and cannot be waived. The $250 fee applies for fiscal year 2025, which began Oct. 1, 2024, and ends Sept. 30, 2025. It may subsequently be adjusted for inflation. Citizens visiting from the more than 40 countries included in the Visa Waiver Program may be exempt from the new fee. Travelers who don't overstay their time or participate in unauthorized work may be eligible for reimbursement once the visa expires. US Travel officials, experts respond to new visa integrity fee A spokesperson for the U.S. Travel Association told CNBC Travel there have been "significant challenges and unanswered questions regarding implementation" on the provision and price hike for the Form I-94 that records visitor entry and departure status. "There is no timeline for implementation of the fee or direction as to how the fee will be collected and refunded," the U.S. Travel Association stated. U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman commented on the new legislation in a statement from July 3, expressing the possible harm this could do with upcoming tentpole global sporting events. "The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America's promotion arm, that much harder to swallow," he said. "Making America the world's most visited destination -- and capitalizing on the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics -- requires smarter policy and legislative changes that we are already pursuing." Erik Hansen, U.S. Travel's senior vice president of government relation affairs, said in a statement that "cost and visa wait times" are "among the top deterrents" for people considering travel to the states. "The new visa integrity fee increases the upfront costs of visiting the U.S. 144%, while doing nothing to lower interview wait times," he continued. "Even if it is technically reimbursable, the added complexity and cost will discourage visitors."
