New $250 US Visa Fee Explained

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | July 20, 2025
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The United States has introduced a new "Visa Integrity Fee" that will significantly impact travelers requiring non-immigrant visas to enter the country. This fee, enacted through recent federal legislation, represents a major change in U.S. immigration policy that directly affects many Canadians.

What is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is essentially a refundable deposit designed to encourage visa compliance. The initial visa integrity fee for fiscal year 2025 will be the greater of $250 or "such amount as the Secretary of Homeland Security may establish, by rule." The fee will then be adjusted annually for inflation starting in FY 2026 with reference to the Consumer Price Index. This means costs will only increase over time.

The fee functions as a deterrent against visa overstays and violations. Unlike traditional visa fees, this deposit is refundable—but only if travellers maintain proper legal status and comply with all visa conditions throughout their stay.

Impact on Different Types of Canadians

Canadian Citizens: Most Canadian citizens are exempt from this fee as they can enter the U.S. visa-free for tourism or business visits up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. However, Canadian citizens requiring longer stays or work/study visas will still face this fee.

Canadian Permanent Residents: This is where it gets complicated. Canadian permanent residents require a $250 visa integrity fee for U.S. non-immigrant visas, regardless of their Canadian PR status. If you're a Canadian permanent resident but hold a passport from a non-visa-exempt country (such as India, China, or many other nations), you'll need to pay this fee on top of standard visa processing costs.

Financial Impact and Visa Types Affected

The fee significantly increases costs across all non-immigrant visa categories. Student visas, which previously cost around $185 plus SEVIS fees, now require an additional $250 deposit. Work visas like H-1B face similar increases. Business and tourist visas are also affected, potentially doubling the total cost of obtaining U.S. entry authorization.

For families travelling together, costs multiply quickly since each individual requires their own integrity fee payment. A family of four could face an additional $1,000 in refundable deposits.

When Does This Take Effect?

The fee will be at least $250 during the U.S. fiscal year 2025, which runs from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. Implementation details regarding collection methods and refund processes are still being finalized by U.S. authorities. The fee is typically collected during the visa application process at U.S. consular offices.

Getting Your Money Back

The refund process requires maintaining legal status throughout your U.S. stay and departing on time. Overstaying your visa or violating conditions means forfeiting the entire deposit. Documentation of compliance and timely departure will be essential for successful refund claims.

Conclusion

The Visa Integrity Fee represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, creating substantial financial barriers for Canadian permanent residents and others requiring visas. While the refundable nature provides some relief for compliant travelers, the upfront costs and bureaucratic complexities add new challenges to U.S. travel planning. Canadians should carefully assess their visa requirements and budget accordingly for this additional expense.

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.

New $250 US Visa Integrity Fee Explained for Canadians