July 26, 2025 – Global Immigration Partners PLLC
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA). Among its many provisions, the bill introduces a new cost for nonimmigrant visa applicants: the Visa Integrity Fee, a $250 surcharge added at the time of visa issuance.
This fee represents a significant change for individuals and employers navigating the U.S. immigration process.
What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is intended to provide additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support expanded immigration enforcement.
Key highlights of the fee:
- It applies to most nonimmigrant visas
- It will be collected at the time of visa issuance
- DHS has the authority to adjust the fee over time and increase it to reflect inflation
An exact implementation date has not yet been announced.
Who Will Be Affected?
The fee applies broadly to nonimmigrant visa categories, including:
- Employment-based workers and dependents: H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2, TN, TD, O-1, O-3, P
- Students and dependents: F-1, F-2
- Exchange visitors and dependents: J-1, J-2
- Business and tourist visitors: B-1, B-2
Travellers entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) are not subject to this fee.
Are There Any Exceptions?
There are no upfront exemptions to the Visa Integrity Fee. However, a reimbursement may be available after the visa expires if the visa holder:
- Fully complied with the terms of their visa (e.g., no unauthorised employment), and
- Departed the U.S. within five days of their last authorised stay, or obtained a lawful extension or adjustment of status.
Unanswered Questions
While the law has been signed, many important procedural details remain unclear:
- When will the fee go into effect?
- How will it be collected?
- What is the process for reimbursement?
- What documentation will be required?
- How long will reimbursements take — and can denials be appealed?
Until these questions are answered, the Visa Integrity Fee introduces uncertainty for nonimmigrant visa applicants and employers alike.
What This Means for You
The Visa Integrity Fee marks a new cost consideration in the U.S. immigration landscape. While intended to support enforcement efforts, it also introduces potential administrative complexity and financial burden for visa holders and sponsors.
At Global Immigration Partners PLLC, we are actively monitoring developments and will provide updates as new information becomes available. If you or your organisation may be affected, we recommend consulting with our attorneys to understand how this change may impact your immigration plans.
Our team is here to guide you through every step.
