On July 11, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS) announced it will soon begin charging new fees for certain immigration benefit requests. While the agency has confirmed the change, it has not yet released full details about which application types will be affected or the specific fee amounts.
Fee details still awaited
According to USCIS, the updated fee structure will apply to select immigration benefit requests, but a complete breakdown is yet to be published. The agency stated it would provide additional implementation information in the coming days. Until then, applicants must monitor USCIS announcements closely.
New fees follow recent visa law changes
The new fees are being introduced in a wider policy environment shaped by the recently enacted " One Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law by President Donald Trump. The law includes a $250 Visa Integrity Fee that applies to most non-immigrant visa categories, such as tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F/M), work (H‑1B), and exchange (J) visas. The fee is non-waivable and indexed to inflation, starting from fiscal year 2026.
This means Indian visa applicants could face significantly higher costs. For example, a typical B‑1/B‑2 visa could cost around $472 (₹40,000) when accounting for the visa fee, integrity surcharge, I‑94 processing, and other administrative charges.
Integrity fee refund conditions strict
The Visa Integrity Fee is designed to promote compliance with US immigration rules. While the law allows for refunds, they are conditional. Refunds are only offered if the applicant departs the US on time, follows all visa rules, and does not work without authorisation. The process is not automatic, and applicants must actively request a refund.
Impact on Indian & international travellers
The fee changes could have a significant impact on Indian nationals, who form one of the largest groups of US visa applicants. With the additional costs, many may look to advance their visa applications before the new charges fully take effect in 2026.
Industry analysts have also raised concerns about the broader effect on tourism and travel. With the US preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, experts warn that rising visa costs could deter tourists and international attendees, especially from countries like India.
USCIS has not yet announced when the new immigration benefit request fees will take effect. Applicants seeking adjustment of status, work authorisations, or other benefits should prepare for possible cost increases and review their eligibility under the upcoming rules.
Fee details still awaited
According to USCIS, the updated fee structure will apply to select immigration benefit requests, but a complete breakdown is yet to be published. The agency stated it would provide additional implementation information in the coming days. Until then, applicants must monitor USCIS announcements closely.
New fees follow recent visa law changes
The new fees are being introduced in a wider policy environment shaped by the recently enacted " One Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law by President Donald Trump. The law includes a $250 Visa Integrity Fee that applies to most non-immigrant visa categories, such as tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F/M), work (H‑1B), and exchange (J) visas. The fee is non-waivable and indexed to inflation, starting from fiscal year 2026.
This means Indian visa applicants could face significantly higher costs. For example, a typical B‑1/B‑2 visa could cost around $472 (₹40,000) when accounting for the visa fee, integrity surcharge, I‑94 processing, and other administrative charges.
Integrity fee refund conditions strict
The Visa Integrity Fee is designed to promote compliance with US immigration rules. While the law allows for refunds, they are conditional. Refunds are only offered if the applicant departs the US on time, follows all visa rules, and does not work without authorisation. The process is not automatic, and applicants must actively request a refund.
Impact on Indian & international travellers
The fee changes could have a significant impact on Indian nationals, who form one of the largest groups of US visa applicants. With the additional costs, many may look to advance their visa applications before the new charges fully take effect in 2026.
Industry analysts have also raised concerns about the broader effect on tourism and travel. With the US preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, experts warn that rising visa costs could deter tourists and international attendees, especially from countries like India.
USCIS has not yet announced when the new immigration benefit request fees will take effect. Applicants seeking adjustment of status, work authorisations, or other benefits should prepare for possible cost increases and review their eligibility under the upcoming rules.
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