The United States of America introduced a $250 non-immigrant visa fee from October 1, 2025, impacting tourists, students, and business travelers. Added costs may affect tourism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Web Desk | July 21, 2025
Starting October 1, 2025, the United States will introduce a new $250 visa integrity fee for non-immigrant travelers — including tourists, students, and business visitors. This additional fee will apply on top of existing visa application costs and the I-94 form fee, which recently increased from $6 to $24.
For instance, H-1B visa applicants may now pay between $205 to $455, or roughly PKR 130,000. Importantly, this non-refundable fee won’t be reimbursed if a visa is denied — though travelers could get their money back only if they follow visa rules and exit the U.S. within five days of expiry. However, no refunds will be processed until the visa officially expires.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasizes the fee is meant to restore integrity to the U.S. immigration system, especially since 42% of undocumented immigrants originally entered legally, even though only 1–2% of non-immigrants overstayed between 2016 and 2022.
Experts caution that the refund process remains vague and could take years to implement, requiring inter-departmental coordination. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the new fee could generate $28.9 billion between 2025 and 2034.
Critics argue the fee could hurt tourism and international mobility, especially as the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, tourism promotion has already taken a hit with Brand USA’s federal funding slashed from $100 million to $20 million.
With rising costs, many are asking: Will America’s visa become even harder to afford — or justify?
