The US government has introduced significant changes to visa fees as part of new legislation. The updates, set to take effect in the 2026 fiscal year, will impact international students, professionals, and travelers.
Key Changes:
– A $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be added to most non-immigrant visa applications, including B-1/B-2 visitors, F and M students, H-1B workers, and J-1 exchange visitors.
– A $24 I-94 Arrival/Departure Fee will be charged for every arrival.
Refundable Fee: The $250 fee can be refunded if the visa holder complies with visa terms and departs the US within the specified timeframe or adjusts their status to permanent residency.
Impact: The new fees may increase the overall cost of obtaining a US visa, potentially doubling or tripling expenses for certain categories. This could affect the decision-making process for international students and professionals considering studying or working in the US.
Next Steps: It’s essential for applicants to understand the new fee structure and plan accordingly. The US government aims to use these fees to support border security and immigration enforcement efforts
