The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to announce a $250 mandatory “Visa Integrity Fee” that will be added to all nonimmigrant visa applications, including B-1/B-2 (tourists), F-1 (students), H-1B (specialty workers), and L-1 (intra-company transferee) in the new fiscal year.
Background
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), was signed into law. While the bill was predominantly a tax legislation, it included a few immigration components, including the implementation of a new Visa Integrity Fee, imposed by the DHS, on foreign nationals applying for nonimmigrant visas at a US Embassy or Consulate. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is in addition to the standard visa processing fee. According to the OBBBA, the Visa Integrity Fee will be refunded to applicants, unlike other visa-related charges, at the expiration of their visa period, provided they have demonstrated compliance with the visa terms.
Reason for the Visa Integrity Fee
The Visa Integrity Fee is intended to address visa over-stays. By providing an incentive to receive the fee back after complying with the terms of the visa, the government aims to ensure applicants comply with their requirements of their visa status. This $250 fee is also expected to increase over time in proportion to inflation.
Exclusions from the Visa Integrity Fee
The Visa Integrity Fee will not apply to individuals who are visa-exempt, such as Canadian nationals or nationals of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which includes many European countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and others.
Employers should be aware of the rising expenses associated with bringing foreign talent into the US as the additional costs related to the Visa Integrity Fee could impact hiring strategies and internal budgets.
Moreover, with various visas lasting for several years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not detailed a clear timeline or process for reimbursement. Applicants should expect to wait a long time if they receive a refund at all.
Vialto Partner will provide updates by DHS regarding the implementation and timing of the Visa Integrity Fee when available.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Manish Daftari
Partner
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