In a decision likely to affect thousands of Indian tourists and professionals, the United States has announced a new $250 "Visa Integrity Fee" for all applications for non-immigrant visas.
This is likely to substantially increase the fee for obtaining a US visa, with a particularly severe impact on students, visitors, and workers in the IT industry.
As reported by The Economic Times, Keshav Singhania, Singhania & Co. Head – Private Client, stated that the higher fees may deter new applicants. Keshav Singhania said, "The newly proposed 'Visa Integrity Fee' will serve as a deterrent to new categories of Indian students, travelers etc seeking the US visa since the new visa processing fee would be 2.5 times higher than the current fees.".
What Will the New US Visa Charges Be?
From 2026, the overall cost of US visa seekers will increase to $472 (around ₹40,456). This includes:
- $250 Visa Integrity Fee
- $24 I-94 fee
- $13 ESTA fee
The new fees will be charged across different visa categories such as B-1/B-2 (business/tourist), F/M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange) visas. Technology companies—Indian as well as American—that rely on work visas to send skilled professionals to the US will especially be hit.
What Should Applicants Do?
With the price increase coming soon, experts advise caution. "It is best that the working capital expenses related to the new visa processing fee is diligently set aside by prospective applicants," Singhania said in an interview with ET. He went on to say that those planning to apply should book their visa appointments prior to 2026 in order not to incur the higher rate.
Why the Fee Was Introduced
This increase in fee is included in the Omnibus Act, a wide-ranging legislative bill signed into law on July 4 and initially proposed under President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill." The extra fees, however, will not be charged to diplomatic visa holders, for example, those in A and G categories.
While travelers may continue to find the new charge within their reach, students and professionals may have their money tied up for prolonged periods. Providing a possible silver lining, Singhania stated, "To ease the setback, basis a preliminary reading of the Bill, the visa fee is to be viewed as a security deposit refundable on legal exit from the states in accordance with one's visa period and terms."
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