If you’re planning a trip to the U.S., whether for work, study, or a long-awaited Disneyland visit, there’s a new immigration cost you’ll want to be aware of.
Soon, a brand-new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee,” which will be a little over PHP14,000, will be added to every nonimmigrant visa issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. That’s on top of the visa fees you’re already paying—so yes, it adds up quickly, especially for families.
So what exactly is this new fee, who needs to pay it, and when does it kick in? Let’s break it down:
What is the added Visa Integrity Fee all about?
On July 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (yes, that’s really the name), which included a sweeping set of immigration fee changes.
One of the biggest updates? A new $250 charge (around PHP14,000), called the Visa Integrity Fee, that now applies to every nonimmigrant visa: think tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F-1), work visas (H-1B, L-1), and even dependent visas like H-4 or F-2.
So whether you’re visiting family, pursuing a degree, or getting deployed by your company, this fee is coming your way.
Who’s paying and when?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how this fee works:
- $250 per person (around PHP14,000), including dependents. So if you’re a family of four, that means $1,000 (PHP57,600+) just in integrity fees.
- Applies only to new visa stamps issued abroad. If you’re already in the U.S. and doing a change of status (like student to worker), you’re off the hook—unless you travel and get a new visa stamp.
- Paid only when your visa is approved. Unlike traditional fees (which are paid upfront even if your visa gets denied), this one is collected after approval.
- Fee may go up over time. Starting in 2026, it’ll adjust annually based on inflation.
- Still unclear when it starts. As of today, the government hasn’t announced an official start date, but it could happen quickly.
What’s next?
Although the law is signed, the implementation is still in the works. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department are coordinating logistics, forms, and systems.
Refunds might be possible, but don’t hold your breath. If you follow all visa rules, avoid unauthorized work, and leave on time, you may qualify for a refund…eventually.
But experts say that setting up a system for reimbursements could take years. So for now, it’s best to treat this fee as non-refundable.
TL;DR
- The $250 Visa Integrity Fee will soon apply to nearly all U.S. nonimmigrant visas issued abroad.
- You only pay it if your visa is approved, and per person.
- Doesn’t apply to in-country status changes, but does apply if you leave and return.
- Refunds are technically possible, but not guaranteed (or simple).
- Still no official start date, but it’s coming fast.
Planning a trip or move to the U.S.? Save this post and share it with anyone who might be affected — because no one likes surprise fees at the consulate.
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