The US Has Updated The Rules For Obtaining Visas

• 19.07.2025, 13:20

Prices will double.

Starting in 2026, the United States will begin charging an additional $250 fee for each nonimmigrant visa, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B) and exchange (J) visas.

This is reported by CBS.

The new Visa Integrity Fee was part of the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump. The only exceptions are the diplomatic A and G visa categories.

Experts estimate that the total cost of obtaining a tourist visa could rise to $450 to $470, 2.5 times the current amount. In addition to the new fee, other associated fees are also going up.

According to the official text of the law, the "good faith" fee is considered a deposit that can be refunded if the applicant leaves the U.S. within five days of the end of the visa without violating the conditions of stay or filing for an extension. However, for students and work visas, this means the money could hang around for years.

The American Travel Agencies Association (ASTA) and the U.S. Travel Association criticized the innovation. U.S. Travel Association head Jeff Freeman said the new fees are "damaging to the international tourism industry."