Visa Integrity Fee

in Immigration Actions Trump 2.0
May 19th, 2026

Some international students and scholars applying for visas are reporting some consular posts have begun charging the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee in addition to other required fees ($185 non-refundable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee and/or the $350 SEVIS fee for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors). The Visa Integrity Fee will apply to most foreign nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas (such as B-1/B-2 tourist, F-1 student, H-1B worker, and J-1 exchange visas) to enter the United States. However, it is collected at the time of visa issuance once the visa has been approved rather than the MRV and SEVIS fees which are paid in advance of the visa interview.

International students and scholars should follow consular posts instructions to pay the fee and retain a copy of payment for their records.

Details

  • Amount: $250 per visa issuance. This amount is subject to annual adjustments based on inflation.
  • Who Pays: Nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including dependents.
  • Exemptions: Applicants under the Visa Waiver Program (traveling on an ESTA) and immigrant visa (green card) applicants.

When It is Paid & The Refund Process

  • Payment Point: You pay this fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate when your visa is issued abroad. It is strictly in addition to your standard visa application (MRV) fee and the required F/J SEVIS fee.
  • Refund Eligibility: The fee is theoretically refundable. The legislation states that it may be returned if the visa holder complies with all visa regulations (e.g., does not overstay, does not work without authorization, and leaves the country on time).
  • Implementation Challenges: While the legislation authorized the fee, exact administrative procedures for claiming refunds remain complex and are still being finalized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State.

Helpful Resources

  • Review the official U.S. Department of State Fees for Visa Services directory to check for regular application costs and additional processing updates.
  • For comprehensive breakdowns of U.S. immigration fee structures and recent policies, visit Congress.gov to review the full text of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act