In a significant immigration reform, the U.S. government has increased the H-1B visa filing fees and introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee. This fee is a refundable security deposit that targets most non-immigrant visa applicants, including tourists, students, and professionals. These changes are part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was passed in July 2025. The act aims to strengthen compliance, prevent overstays, and recover administrative costs.
Starting in fiscal year 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025, two major cost changes will affect visa applicants and employers: a substantial increase in H-1B petition costs and the implementation of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee. This fee is non-waivable and is designed to enhance compliance.
These reforms were introduced under the “Dignity in Immigration Act”, signed into law in early July 2025. According to U.S. lawmakers, these measures are primarily targeted at:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have faced challenges with rising operational costs and an increase in visa violations. The new framework aims to shift financial responsibility to visa applicants while ensuring that only serious and law-abiding individuals are allowed to enter and exit the U.S. as required.
According to the new rule, this mandatory Visa Integrity Fee would apply to :
Here’s how the new rule works:
Effective Date: Expected from October 1, 2025 (start of U.S. fiscal year)
The visa integrity fee has an unusual feature: it may be refundable. This is rare in U.S. immigration fees. The law says that visa holders who follow all their visa rules can get back the $250 fee.
To be eligible for a refund, visa holders must:
As a trusted forex and travel services provider, Unimoni offers end-to-end support including:
The U.S. remains a popular destination for travelers, professionals, and students. While these new fees aim to reduce misuse and increase accountability, they also raise significant questions about fairness and affordability—especially for law-abiding applicants from developing countries.
For Indian travelers and students, this is a wake-up call to prepare well in advance and adhere strictly to all visa rules. Keep your travel and immigration documents organized and be up to date with the US immigration rules.
