US Introduces $250 “Integrity Fee” for Non-Immigrant Visa holders
Washington D.C. – The United States is set to implement a new mandatory $250 “Integrity Fee” for individuals entering the country on non-immigrant visas, such as tourists. This fee is intended to serve as a compliance guarantee, aimed at preventing overstays and unauthorized activities.
The measure, which was incorporated by Republican legislators into the house of Representatives’ Judicial Commission as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” seeks to increase the cost of entry for various visa categories, including tourists, students, temporary workers, and business travelers. It is indeed one of 22 provisions designed to “promote legal behavior among foreign citizens who visit the US.”
According to CNBC, the fee is slated to generate a minimum of $250 during fiscal year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The Secretary of National Security will retain the authority to adjust this amount, including increases for inflation.
Reimbursement of the Integrity Fee will be contingent upon travelers adhering to all visa conditions. This includes refraining from unauthorized employment and not exceeding the permitted stay by more than five days, as reported by the same media outlet.as of now,the US government has not announced a specific implementation date for the fee,nor has it detailed the reimbursement process or confirmed weather the full amount paid will be refunded. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security indicated to CNBC that inter-agency coordination is necessary before the fee can be put into effect.
