Planning a US Visa? It’s about to get 2.5 times expensive for Indians from 2026—Details inside

The United States came up with a new $250 (approximately Rs 40,456) Visa Integrity Fee as part of the sweeping immigration overhaul of President Donald Trump. The development is a part of the initiative, which was signed recently following the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act', enacted on July 4. However, this fee will be refunded if all those visa holders meet specific compliance criteria.

The Visa Integrity Fee, which is set to apply from 2026, will be applicable to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), work visas (H-1B), student visas (F and M), and exchange visas (J). Only diplomatic categories (A and G) are exempt, according to a report in the Indian Express.

The visa reform is part of the Trump administration’s wider effort to strengthen immigration control and reduce instances of visa overstays.

"The recently announced "Visa Integrity Fee" will act as a deterrent for new classes of Indian students, travellers etc applying for the US visa since the revised visa processing cost would be 2.5 times more than the existing fees," an ET quoted Keshav Singhania, Head – Private Client, Singhania & Co. as saying.

How much more need to pay?

Starting in 2026, US visa applicants will need to pay a total fee of $472 (approximately Rs 40,456) by nearly 2.5 times, according to US immigration services firm Fragomen, as reported by The Economic Times. This amount includes a newly introduced Integrity Fee of $250, an I-94 fee of $24, and an ESTA fee of $13.

The revised charges will apply across several visa categories, including tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas.

How 'US Visa Integrity Fee' be refunded?

Visa holders may request a refund of the Integrity Fee under specific conditions: If they leave the US within five days after their visa expires without seeking an extension or change in immigration status, or if they successfully adjust to permanent residency before their I-94 record (the official US arrival/departure record) expires.

Even if eligible, applicants need to provide required documentation, which must include proof of timely departure or approved status adjustment. Without this, the $250 fee will not be refunded, and it will go to the US Treasury’s general fund.

Meanwhile, the US State Department is likely to release further guidelines mentioning the refund process that will work in practice. And, the US government reserves the right to modify this fee through future regulatory changes. Beginning in 2026, the Visa Integrity Fee will be updated each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), effectively making it a recurring cost that adjusts with inflation for all applicants.

FAQ

Who Will Be Affected by the US Visa Fee Hike?

Tourist, businessperson, workers, and students.

Why Is the US Increasing Visa Fees for Indian Citizens?

The fee is meant to discourage overstays of the immigrants and ensure good compliance with visa terms.

What is the US Visa Integrity Fee?
It’s a new $250 fee introduced by the Trump government as part of immigration reforms under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' in USA.

When will the Visa Integrity Fee take effect?
The fee will apply starting in 2026.

How much will Indian applicants have to pay in total?
Around ₹40,456 (or $472), including the $250 Integrity Fee, $24 I-94 fee, and $13 ESTA fee.

Which visa categories will this fee apply to?
Most non-immigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F/M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange) visas.

Can the Visa Integrity Fee be refunded?**
Yes, if the visa holder leaves the US within 5 days of visa expiry without seeking an extension, or if they gain permanent residency before their I-94 expires.

What documents are needed to claim a refund?
Proof of timely departure or approved status adjustment is required.

What happens if I don’t meet the refund conditions?
The fee will not be refunded and will go to the US Treasury's general fund.

Will this fee amount change in the future?
Yes, from 2026 onwards, it will be adjusted yearly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).