New $250 U.S. Visa Fee to Impact Foreign Workers, Students, and Some Canadian Citizens
In a major immigration policy shift, the United States has introduced a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” targeting non-immigrant visa applicants, including many foreign nationals residing in Canada and select Canadian citizens.
This change comes as part of the H.R.1 Act—popularly dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—which was signed into law on July 4, 2025. While the official start date is yet to be announced, implementation is expected by late 2025.
Who Will Be Required to Pay the $250 Fee?
According to the legislation, the Visa Integrity Fee applies to “any alien issued a non-immigrant visa.” This includes individuals applying under the following visa categories:
- B-1/B-2 (Business/Tourist)
- F/M (Student)
- J (Exchange Visitor)
- H-1B/H-4 (Temporary Workers and Dependents)
- Other employment-based and temporary classifications
Foreign nationals from non-waiver countries—such as India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Brazil—will need to pay this fee in addition to existing application costs.
This also applies to Canadian permanent residents and temporary residents holding citizenship from these countries, even if applying from within Canada.
Are Canadian Citizens Affected?
Most Canadian citizens are exempt from U.S. visa requirements for short-term travel, and therefore will not be required to pay the new fee. However, exceptions apply.
Canadian citizens must still obtain U.S. non-immigrant visas (and pay the $250 fee) in the following cases:
- H-1B work visa or F-1 student visa
- Treaty trader/investor (E-1/E-2)
- K-1 (fiancé/fiancée of U.S. citizen)
- Diplomatic and official travel (A, G, NATO visas)
- S-visas (informants assisting U.S. law enforcement)
Who Is Exempt from the Fee?
The new fee does not apply to travelers entering the U.S. without a visa, including:
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries
- Most Canadian tourists and business travelers
List of VWP countries includes: Germany, Australia, Japan, France, South Korea, the U.K., and over 35 others.
Note: Although Canada is not part of the VWP, its citizens benefit from separate visa-exempt arrangements.
Is the $250 Fee Refundable?
The law clearly states: no waivers or reductions will be granted. However, a reimbursement may be possible under specific conditions:
- The visa holder complies with all visa terms (e.g., no unauthorized work)
- Leaves the U.S. within five days of visa expiration
- Does not request extensions unless adjusting to permanent residency
Applicants must apply to the Department of Homeland Security for reimbursement. The refund system, however, is not yet operational, and details are pending.
Additionally, the $250 fee will be adjusted annually for inflation, meaning future applicants may pay even more.
What This Means
For many foreign nationals—including international students, skilled workers, and Canadian residents from non-exempt countries—the cost of applying for U.S. visas will increase significantly.
This move is part of broader U.S. efforts to enhance visa compliance and fund enforcement, but also raises concerns about accessibility and fairness, especially for low-income applicants or students.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
