The United States of America will radically change its visa policy by introducing an additional fee of 250 USD for all categories of non-immigrant visas starting in 2026. The innovation will affect B-1/B-2 tourist visas, F and M student visas, H-1B work visas, and J exchange visas, devby.io reports.

The new fee, called the “Visa Integrity Fee,” was codified in the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill” that President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4. Only holders of diplomatic A and G visas are exempt from paying the new fee.

The expert community predicts a significant increase in the overall costs of obtaining American visas. The cost of a tourist visa may reach 450-470 USD, which is 2,5 times higher than the current rates. In addition to the main innovation, the authorities are also increasing the amount of other related payments: the fee for issuing the I-94 form will increase to 24 USD, and the cost of the ESTA electronic authorization will increase from 21 to 40 USD.

The new fee is unique in that it is refundable. According to the official text of the law, the amount can be returned to the applicant, provided that he or she leaves the United States within five days of the visa expiration, without violating the conditions of stay and without applying for an extension of status. However, for students and work visa holders, this means that the funds may remain blocked for several years.