New $250 U.S. Visa Integrity Fee Announced – What Every Traveler Must Know (2025)
| Section | Details |
|---|
| Announcement Title | U.S. Visa Integrity Fee 2025 |
| Announced By | United States Department of State |
| Type of Fee | Integrity Screening Fee |
| Applicable Year | 2025 |
| New Fee Amount | 250 US Dollars |
| Fee Status | Mandatory |
| Effective From | Expected from October 2025 |
| Official Government Portal | www.travel.state.gov |
| Payment Mode | Online during visa application |
Who Has to Pay the Visa Integrity Fee
| Category of Travelers | Required to Pay | Notes |
|---|
| Tourist Visa Applicants (B1/B2) | Yes | Applies to all new applications |
| Student Visa (F, M category) | Yes | Universities will notify students |
| Work Visa (H1B, L1, etc) | Yes | Sponsored workers must pay unless waived by employer |
| Green Card Applicants | No | Not applicable to immigrant visa categories |
| Visa Waiver Program Countries | No | Citizens from VWP countries are not required to pay |
| Children Below 14 | No | Exempted from Integrity Fee |
Objective of the $250 Integrity Fee
| Purpose Area | Details |
|---|
| Security Enhancement | To fund background checks and fraud prevention |
| System Upgrade | Supports electronic screening and visa tracking |
| Immigration Oversight | Enhances oversight of overstays and misused visas |
| Data Sharing Improvements | Supports secure sharing with international partners |
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|
| Official Announcement | July 2025 |
| Public Comments Deadline | August 2025 |
| Final Policy Release | September 2025 |
| Fee Implementation Begins | October 2025 |
Key Points You Should Know
| Point Description | Details |
|---|
| Mandatory for New Visa Applications | Yes, for most non-immigrant visa categories |
| Fee Payment During DS-160 Submission | Yes, integrated into online payment step |
| Refundable if Visa Denied | No, Integrity Fee is non-refundable |
| Separate from MRV Visa Fee | Yes, this is in addition to the regular visa fee |
| Applies to Group and Individual Applications | Yes, both types covered |
| Fee Can Be Paid by Sponsor or Applicant | Yes, depending on visa type |
✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| Is the Integrity Fee part of the standard visa fee? | No, it is a separate charge of 250 dollars |
| Will it affect existing visa holders? | No, it applies only to new visa applications |
| Can this fee be waived for low-income applicants? | Not currently, but hardship waivers may be reviewed later |
| Is there any discount for students or families? | No category-specific discount has been announced |
| Where can I pay the fee? | Through the official U.S. visa payment portal |
✅ Useful Links
