The One Big beautiful Bill has come as a shocker for the indian traveller who is planning to go to the United States.

According to the bill, starting in 2026, the cost of a US visa will increase by 2.5 times. Visitors to the united states will be charged USD 250 as an integrity fee by the government, which is non-refundable.  Indian IT workers and students who travel to the US for work or education may be impacted by these changes. Furthermore, the fee may be adjusted annually by the rate of inflation.

How Much Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
The trump administration has introduced a new cost called the Visa Integrity cost, which is USD 250 (about Rs 21,400). This charge will be non-refundable and take effect in the upcoming year of 2026. It is noteworthy that the fee is not fixed, meaning that it may vary annually based on the rate of inflation. Certain visas now cost more than Rs 40,000 instead of Rs 16,000 due to a new visa integrity fee.

Who Will Have To Pay The Visa Integrity Fee?
This cost is required by law to be paid by the individual who is granted a non-immigrant visa.  The Department of Homeland Security will pick it up.  The Visa Integrity Fee is a component of a significant reform in travel-related fees, according to US-based immigration consulting firm Fragomen.  This includes a USD 30 EVUS tax levied on Chinese nationals, a USD 24 price on I-94, and a USD 13 fee in the Visa Waiver Program.

This cost is required by law to be paid by the individual who is granted a non-immigrant visa.  The Department of Homeland Security will collect the fee.  The new Visa Integrity Fee is a component of a significant overhaul in travel-related expenses, according to US-based immigration advisory firm Fragomen.  The charge structure consists of a USD 30 EVUS tax for Chinese nationals, a USD 24 fee on I-94, and a USD 13 cost in the Visa Waiver Program.  

Those with non-immigrant visas will be the most affected.
It will be relevant to business and tourist visas (B-1/B-2).
Students will be required to pay this charge in order to study in America.
This charge will be required of professionals traveling to the US for work.
This cost will also be required of those possessing an Exchange Visitor Visa (J).
Holders of diplomatic visas (A and G categories) will not be required to pay.  

How Much More Expensive Will The US Visa Be Now?

Currently, US B-1/B-2 visa fees are USD185. A significant price increase is scheduled for 2026.

Visa fee - USD185 (Rs 15000)
Visa Integrity Fee - USD250 (approx Rs 21,400)
I-94 fee- USD24 (Rs 2,000)
ESTA fee- USD13 (approx Rs 1200)
Total fee- USD472 (approx Rs 40,000)


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