US to launch $250 'visa integrity' program for travelers—fee refundable when you leave

The United States will start requiring a $250 "visa integrity fee" when travelers come to the country and may be paid back when they leave under certain conditions. This comes as the Trump administration has been advancing the president's agenda to enforce the nation's border and crack down on illegal immigration.

The fee is part of the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill" that Trump signed into law on July 4. The fee may also be reimbursed for travelers who abide by their visa requirements. 

A provision of the bill stated, "In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the payment of a fee, equal to the amount" of $250 or "such amount as the Secretary of Homeland Security may establish."

Travelers may also get their fee back on condition that they comply with the visa conditions, such as “not accept[ing] unauthorized employment" and not overstaying their visa for more than five days.

The fee amount will remain at $250 through fiscal year 2025, however, the fee may be set higher by the DHS secretary. It will also be adjusted for inflation after the fiscal year.

The fee will apply to anyone visiting the US who needs nonimmigrant visas, such as those traveling for work, vacation, or students studying abroad. Some, however, may not need to pay the fee, if they are from certain countries such as Australia, Japan, and many nations in Europe, according to CNBC.

The fee is paid when a visa is issued, and it does not replace other visa fees already in place. The fee will be paid in addition to the "Form I-94 fee," which has been raised from $6 to $24 by the "One Big Beautiful Bill."