On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law H.R. 1 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBA”). Introduced in this bill is the “Visa Integrity Fee” which adds an additional fee to nonimmigrant visas of $250.
What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is intended to boost funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support increased immigration enforcement activities. The visa integrity fee is a new fee that will be charged to individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa at the time of visa issuance. The Bill has a provision that allows for the Secretary of DHS to raise the fee as needed and has a provision to increase the fee based on inflation. There is not a set date on which the fee will be enacted.
Who Will the Visa Integrity Fee Impact?
The Visa Integrity Fee would impact those applying for nonimmigrant visas, to include:
- Employment-based workers and their dependents: H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2, TN, TD, O-1, O-3, P
- Students and their dependents: F-1, F-2
- Exchange visitors and their dependents: J-1, J-2
- Visitors: B-1, B-2
Entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) would not be subject to the visa integrity fee.
Are There Exceptions to the Visa Integrity Fee?
There are no exceptions to the visa integrity fee, and the fee cannot be reduced. However, the bill does allow for a reimbursement in certain circumstances after the visa has expired:
- The visa holder can they complied with all conditions of their nonimmigrant visa, including no unauthorized employment; and
- The visa holder departed the United States within 5 days after their last day of authorized stay; or obtained a lawful extension of their status or an adjustment to permanent resident.
Key Points to Watch
Several logistical details related to the Visa Integrity Fee remain undefined, including:
- Is there a deadline to request reimbursement?
- What documentation will be required for reimbursement?
- What is the process for requesting and receiving reimbursement?
- How long will the reimbursement process take, and can denials be appealed?
- When will the fee go in effect and what is the process to collect?
The OBBA’s Visa Integrity Fee component introduced a significant cost consideration for many visa applicants, but key details are still in development. Klasko attorneys are closely monitoring updated and the rollout and will provide updates as they become available. Those who plan to go for visa stamping and have specific questions about how it may affect them or their families, can request a consultation with a Klasko Immigration attorney.
The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
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