Planning to study, work, or visit the United States in 2026? Then this update is for you. The US Department of Homeland Security has announced a new non-refundable fee for most non-immigrant visa categories, including F1 (Student), B1/B2 (Tourist/Business), H-1B (Work), and J (Exchange) visas. This new charge, known as the Visa Integrity Fee, is set at $250 and is expected to be implemented starting next year.
At IIE Education, we believe in keeping our students and visa applicants fully informed. In this article, we’ll explain what the $250 US visa charge means for you, who it affects, how to plan around it, and why applying now can save you money and time.
What is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new non-refundable charge that will be collected by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for certain non-immigrant visa categories. This fee is projected to go into effect sometime in early 2026, although the exact date is yet to be finalized.
According to recent announcements, this US visa fee update will apply to:
F1 Visa (Student Visa)
B1/B2 Visa (Tourist & Business Visa)
H-1B Visa (Skilled Worker Visa)
J Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa)
Diplomatic categories such as A and G visas will be exempt from this fee.
At IIE Education, we’re already preparing students and professionals for this change by helping them submit their applications before the new fee kicks in.
Who Will Be Affected?
This new US visa rule will primarily affect international students, tourists, skilled workers, and exchange visitors – especially those applying for the F1 student visa, one of the most common visa categories for Indian applicants.
If you’re applying for any non-immigrant visa to the USA from India in 2025, chances are you will be required to pay this $250 Visa Integrity Fee on top of the existing visa processing charges.
At IIE Education, our visa experts can guide you on how to avoid the 2025 US visa fee increase by completing your application before the implementation date.
Why Is This Fee Being Introduced?
The DHS visa fee announcement aims to recover costs related to maintaining visa security, integrity, and enforcement operations. This includes background checks, fraud prevention, and system modernization.
While the goal is administrative efficiency, the new US visa cost for Indian students and professionals will raise the financial burden, making early planning essential. IIE Education recommends that students and visa applicants begin the process well in advance, especially those targeting Fall 2025 intakes.
Time is Limited – Beat the Fee with Early Application
Because the fee is non-refundable and is expected to apply to all new applications starting next year, it is in your best interest to apply before this hike takes effect.
For students planning to study in the U.S., IIE Education US visa consultancy offers complete guidance from university selection to visa filing – ensuring that your F1 visa application is completed before the new rule begins.
If you’re applying for tourist or business visas (B1/B2) or employment-based H-1B visas, IIE Education provides non-immigrant visa assistance with a high success rate.
Special Focus: Impact on Indian F1 Students
The F1 visa fee increase will directly impact tens of thousands of Indian students planning to study in the U.S. Most families already budget for tuition, SEVIS fees, and living costs. An extra $250 US visa charge adds to the burden.
This makes it even more important to work with a trusted advisor like IIE Education, who can help you:
Choose affordable and reputed universities
File your application early
Avoid unnecessary delays
Understand all US visa application costs for 2025
Plan Ahead: IIE Education’s US Application Day – August 29, 2025
Mark your calendar! Join IIE Education’s US Application Day on August 29, 2025, where students can apply on-the-spot for the January 2026 intake, even without IELTS! Avoid the upcoming Visa Integrity Fee and get expert support on the spot.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Yes, the Visa Integrity Fee exemption applies to A and G visa holders, which are generally diplomatic or government-related visa categories. However, these are not relevant for most students or professionals applying through IIE.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or visa category, IIE Jalandhar US study visa support team is ready to assist you with a free assessment session.
What About Refunds?
Unfortunately, this $250 fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. That means you lose this amount if your application is not successful. To avoid such losses, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals like those at IIE Education, who offer personalized support and high approval rates.
Final Tips from IIE Education
Here’s what you can do to stay ahead:
✅ Start your application now, especially for Spring or Fall 2025
✅ Work with IIE Education to ensure all documents are complete and accurate
✅ Plan your finances to avoid last-minute surprises
✅ Attend our free visa consultation sessions at our Jalandhar office
✅ Follow IIE Education on social media for real-time updates
Conclusion: Act Fast, Save Smart
The upcoming $250 Visa Integrity Fee is a major change that affects most non-immigrant visa applicants, including students, workers, and travelers. As this US visa fee update becomes a reality, you can avoid added expenses and unnecessary delays by applying now with IIE Education.
Don’t wait for the rules to change – secure your US visa with the help of our experts today.
📍 Visit us at: 545, 1st Floor, Above Westside, Model Town, Jalandhar
📲 Call Now: +91 91154-02424
🌐 Website: www.iieeducation.com IIE Education – Your Trusted Partner for USA Visa Success!
