New Delhi – If you’re planning a trip to the United States — whether for a vacation, higher studies, or a job — be prepared to pay much more for your visa starting 2026.
As part of a sweeping new law signed on July 4, U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee”, which will apply to most non-immigrant visas. This is in addition to the existing visa charges, and it means the total cost for an Indian applicant could jump from ₹16,000 to over ₹40,000.
What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
This new fee is essentially a $250 (approx. ₹21,400) non-refundable surcharge added to your visa application. Key points:
- It will be mandatory at the time your visa is issued.
- Starts from the year 2026.
- It will be adjusted every year based on inflation (Consumer Price Index).
Who Has to Pay This Fee?
Almost everyone applying for a non-immigrant visa will need to pay this fee, including those applying for:
- Tourist or business visas (B-1/B-2)
- Student visas (F and M)
- Work visas (H-1B)
- Exchange visitor visas (J)
The only exception is for people applying for diplomatic visas (A and G categories). For Indian travelers, this means students, tech professionals, tourists, and business travelers will all be affected.
How Much Will a US Visa Cost Now?
Here’s how the total visa cost will break down:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base visa fee (B-1/B-2) | $185 (₹15,800) |
| Visa Integrity Fee | $250 (₹21,400) |
| I-94 fee (for land travel) | $24 (₹2,000) |
| ESTA (if applicable) | $13 (₹1,100) |
| Total Estimated Cost | $472 (₹40,500+) |
So the cost of getting a standard U.S. visa will more than double, hitting around ₹40,000 for most travelers.
Students, skilled professionals, and other non-immigrant applicants (like H-1B holders) will also see significant hikes.
Can You Get This Fee Back?
Generally, no — the Visa Integrity Fee is non-refundable.
However, there’s a silver lining: if you follow all U.S. visa rules — like leaving the U.S. within five days of visa expiry, or legally extending your stay or adjusting your status (like getting a green card) — you may be eligible for a refund of this fee.
But if you overstay or violate visa conditions, you won’t get your money back.
Why Is the US Charging This Fee?
The U.S. government says this new fee is a security measure. It’s designed to encourage lawful behavior by acting like a security deposit — follow the rules, and you may get your money back. Break them, and you lose it.
The policy will be overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which can adjust the fee amount annually depending on inflation.
Remittances Will Also Get Costlier
That’s not all — President Trump’s massive 900-page “One Big Beautiful Bill” also includes a 1% excise tax on money transfers (remittances). So, sending money from the U.S. back to India will also become more expensive, especially for immigrants.
Summary for Indian Applicants
- Starting 2026, getting a U.S. visa will cost ₹40,000+.
- The new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 applies to most types of visas.
- No waiver is allowed, and refund is conditional.
- Remitting money back home will also carry a 1% tax.
If you’re planning a trip, study abroad, or a work move to the U.S., it’s best to factor in these upcoming costs early.
