International News: The United States has implemented another change in its immigration policy. A $250 immigration fee has been introduced under the newly implemented 'One Big Beautiful Act,' which came into being on the 4th of July, 2025. The fees will change annually as per the inflation. The fee is more like a security deposit, and if the applicant fulfills certain criteria, it will be refunded. The basic idea behind this change is to make applicants follow US immigration laws.
The fees will be applicable starting next year. The rule says that the fees would apply to "any alien issued a non-immigrant visa" applications, including tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas, with exemptions only for diplomatic visa categories (A and G).
How much will Indians now pay?
The US business visa and the tourist visa cost around $185, which is approximately 16,000 Indian rupees. Starting from 2026, when the fees will be applicable, the new surcharges will come into being, which include the Integrity Fee of $250, the $24 I-94 fee, and the $13 ESTA fee, and the Indians will have to pay $472, which is approximately 40,500 Indian rupees. The new law in the immigration policy will now force the Indians to pay nearly two and a half times more than the original cost.
Government's authority
The Trump government in the United States has the authority to increase the fee through future regulations. Based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the price will be adjusted annually, starting from 2026. This will create a recurring, inflation-indexed cost for the applicants. It is also true that the fee will be nothing but a security deposit, probably to encourage compliance with the US immigration laws.
How to get the refund?
However, the reimbursement process is not automatic and involves extensive evidence, such as departure records or proof of status adjustment. Noncompliance will result in the fee being transferred to the United States Treasury's general fund.
Further guidance from the US State Department is expected to clarify reimbursement procedures.
While the price may reduce visa overstays, it may deter legitimate visits and perhaps hinder cultural interactions, particularly among applicants from impoverished countries.
