US to add 250-dollar fee to most visa types starting 2026

Starting in 2026, most US non-immigrant visa applicants will have to pay a new 250-dollar Visa Integrity Fee. This applies to tourist, student, work, and exchange visas. Only diplomatic and official visa holders are exempt. The fee works like a refundable deposit that gets returned only if visa rules are followed completely. That means leaving the country on time or adjusting status legally.

For Indian applicants, this change could raise visa costs from about 185 dollars to nearly 472 dollars, including other charges like I-94 and travel registration fees. The jump in cost may affect students, professionals, and tourists planning to visit the US. Experts worry this move could make it harder for many to apply, especially those planning to study or work. Officials say the new fee is meant to encourage visa compliance and reduce misuse.

Source: livemint.com