Effective January 1, 2026, the cost of applying for a US non-immigrant visa is expected to rise significantly. This increase is primarily due to the introduction of a new Visa Integrity Fee and adjustments to other service charges under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA) signed into law in 2025.
The most notable change is a mandatory $250 fee added to almost all non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist, student, and work visas.
Estimated Fee Structure for 2026
While the Department of State (DoS) already increased base fees in 2023, the 2026 changes introduce secondary layers of costs. Below is a breakdown of the estimated total costs:
| Visa Type | Base Fee (Current) | Integrity Fee (2026) | Estimated Total |
| B1/B2 (Tourist/Business) | $185 | $250 | $435 |
| F, M, J (Student/Exchange) | $185 | $250 | $435 |
| H, L, O, P, Q, R (Work) | $205 | $250 | $455 |
| E (Treaty Trader/Investor) | $315 | $250 | $565 |
Additional 2026 Fee Increases
I-94 Fee: The fee for the Arrival/Departure record (typically for land border crossings) is expected to increase from $6 to $24.
ESTA Fee: For travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee is set to increase to $40.
Inflation Adjustments: Starting in 2026, the $250 Integrity Fee is subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Key Features of the Visa Integrity Fee
Mandatory & Non-Waivable: The $250 fee applies to nearly every applicant, including those who previously qualified for certain waivers.
Refundable Security Deposit: Unlike the base application fee (MRV), the $250 Integrity Fee is designed as a refundable deposit. However, to get it back, you must:
The Catch: For long-term students or workers, this money may remain locked with the US Treasury for several years until they finally depart the country or change status.
Impact on Global Applicants
For applicants in countries like India, the total cost for a standard tourist visa (B1/B2) is projected to jump from approximately ₹15,500 to nearly ₹37,000-₹40,000 once the Integrity Fee and currency conversions are factored in.
Note: Official implementation dates and refund procedures are still being finalized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is highly recommended to check the official Travel.State.Gov website for the final Federal Register notice before paying.