Summary
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” into law, introducing significant changes to U.S. immigration fee structures. Among these is a new “Visa Integrity Fee” of at least $250, which will be charged upon the issuance of any nonimmigrant visa.

Saluja Law is providing this overview to help employers, students, scholars, and travelers understand how this new fee will work, who it will affect, and what questions remain about implementation.

What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?

Under Title X, Subtitle A, Part I, Section 100007 of the new law, the Visa Integrity Fee applies to “any alien issued a nonimmigrant visa at the time of such issuance.” This means it is an additional fee on top of existing costs, such as:

• The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee

• Any reciprocity fees charged to nationals of certain countries

It will apply broadly to all nonimmigrant visa categories, including (but not limited to):

• F-1, F-2 (students and their dependents)

• J-1, J-2 (exchange visitors and their dependents)

• H-1B, H-4 (temporary workers and family members)

• L-1, O-1, P, TN, and other employment-based categories

Travelers entering the U.S. without needing a visa (e.g., Visa Waiver Program travelers, most Canadians) will not pay the fee.

How Much Is the Fee?

For Fiscal Year 2025, the fee is set at the greater of $250 or an amount determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security via regulation.

• Minimum for FY 2025: $250

• Adjustments: Starting in Fiscal Year 2026, the fee will increase automatically each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

At this time, DHS has not published regulations establishing any higher amount, so $250 is the baseline to expect in FY 2025.

When Does It Take Effect?

The new fee requirement was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and is technically effective immediately.

However, the payment mechanism is not yet operational. Visa applicants cannot yet pay the new fee because:

• No clear collection process has been established.

• The statute does not specify which agency (Department of State, DHS, or both) will collect it.

We expect further guidance and implementation timelines from DHS and the Department of State in the coming months.

Where Does the Money Go?

• Collected fees will be deposited into the U.S. Treasury's general fund.

• Revenues cannot be waived or reduced except under very limited circumstances.

Fee Reimbursement Rules

Unlike other visa fees, the Visa Integrity Fee includes a potential reimbursement mechanism:

• Nonimmigrants may be eligible for a refund if they fully comply with the terms of their visa, such as:

  • Avoiding unauthorized employment

  • Departing the U.S. promptly at the end of authorized stay

  • Obtaining a lawful extension of nonimmigrant status

  • Adjusting status to lawful permanent resident

Details on how to apply for reimbursement and what evidence will be required remain unclear. DHS will need to establish these procedures through rulemaking.

Key Takeaways for Visa Applicants

✅ This is an additional fee—it does not replace existing visa application or reciprocity fees.
✅ It applies to all nonimmigrant visa categories issued at U.S. consulates abroad.
✅ Collection has not yet begun; implementation details are pending.
✅ The minimum fee is $250, with annual inflation adjustments starting in 2026.
✅ A refund may be available to visa holders who follow all legal requirements.

Saluja Law Can Help

At Saluja Law, we monitor immigration policy changes closely to keep our clients and community informed. We will continue to track DHS and State Department guidance on:

• Fee collection start dates

• Payment processes

• Reimbursement rules

If you have questions about how this new fee could impact your visa plans or your employees' travel, please contact Saluja Law for a consultation.