In a significant move that could impact thousands of foreign nationals, the United States has introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee. This fee will apply to non-immigrant visa applicants, including Canadian permanent residents, foreign workers, and certain Canadian citizens applying for US visas.
The change comes under the H.R.1 Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, and is expected to take effect by late 2025. The law, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, outlines a new visa fee system designed to increase oversight of non-immigrant entries into the US.
This announcement has caused a buzz across immigration circles and is likely to have widespread implications for those planning to travel to the US for work, study, or business.
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Who Needs to Pay the US Visa Integrity Fee?
According to the new law, a Visa Integrity Fee of USD 250 will be charged to:
- All foreign nationals applying for non-immigrant US visas
- Canadian PRs and temporary residents from non-waiver countries
- Canadian citizens applying for specific non-immigrant visa types, like H1-B or F-1
The fee will be in addition to the standard US visa application fees.
Non-Immigrant Visa Categories Affected
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 | Tourist and business travel |
| F/M | Student visas |
| H-1B/H-4 | Work visas and dependents |
| J | Exchange visitor visas |
| K-1/K-2/K-3/K-4 | Fiancé(e)s, spouses, and children of US citizens |
| A/G/NATO | Government and diplomatic travel |
| E-1/E-2/E-3D | Treaty traders/investors and dependents |
| S-5/S-6/S-7 | Intelligence and law enforcement aid |
How Are Canadians Affected?
Generally Exempt… But With Exceptions
Most Canadian citizens do not need a visa to travel to the US for short stays and are exempt from this fee. However, they must pay the Visa Integrity Fee if they apply for a non-immigrant visa, such as:
- H-1B work visa
- F-1 student visa
- Treaty and diplomatic visas (E-1, E-2, A, G, NATO)
- Family-sponsored visas (K-1 to K-4)
- Special categories (S-5 to S-7)
Countries Impacted by the Fee
This fee targets nationals from non-Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. Applicants from the following nations must pay the Visa Integrity Fee:
- India
- China
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Brazil
- Other non-waiver countries
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries Not Affected
| Visa Waiver Countries (Sample List) |
|---|
| Australia, Austria, Belgium |
| Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark |
| France, Germany, Ireland, Italy |
| Japan, South Korea, Spain |
| Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
Canada is not listed under VWP—not because it’s ineligible, but because Canadian citizens do not require ESTA or a visa for regular visits.
Is the Visa Integrity Fee Refundable?
The law states that the fee:
- Cannot be waived or reduced
May be refunded only if:
- The applicant complies fully with visa terms
- Leaves the US within 5 days after visa expiry
- Does not work illegally
- Gets their visa status changed to permanent residency
Refunds will be handled by the US Department of Homeland Security, though details and timelines remain unclear.
Note:
The $250 fee is indexed to inflation, which means it could increase every year.
Get a clear breakdown of Canada PR visa fees, including application charges, biometric fees, and other associated costs for 2025.
Why This Matters for Canadian PRs and Foreign Workers
This new policy directly impacts:
- Canadian PRs from countries like India, Pakistan, or Nigeria
- Foreign workers or students in Canada needing a US visa
- Canadians applying for specialized work or family visas
Whether for business meetings, higher studies, or temporary employment, applicants must now budget an additional USD 250.
Quick Summary Table: Who Pays and Who Doesn’t
| Category | Pays $250 Visa Integrity Fee? |
|---|---|
| Canadian Citizen (Tourist visit) | No |
| Canadian Citizen (H1-B/F-1) | Yes |
| Canadian PR (Indian passport) | Yes |
| Indian Citizen in Canada | Yes |
| US Visa Waiver Program Citizen | No |
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You
Visa Solutions 4u offers end-to-end support for individuals and families dealing with new visa rules.
Here’s how we help:
- Clear guidance on whether the Visa Integrity Fee applies to you
- Step-by-step support for all US visa applications
- Help understanding your immigration status in Canada and its impact
- Refund eligibility advice under the new law
- Help with Canada PR, Express Entry, and spousal open work permits
We stay updated on every policy change so you don’t have to worry about surprises.
Conclusion: Plan to Avoid Last-Minute Visa Costs
The upcoming $250 US Visa Integrity Fee is a major update for Canadian permanent residents, foreign workers, and citizens of non-waiver countries. As immigration policies evolve in both the US and Canada, staying informed is critical to avoid delays and unexpected costs.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or a new job in the US, understanding this fee and planning your visa strategy can save you time, money, and stress.
Need personalized help navigating this new fee?
Contact Visa Solutions 4u today and get expert guidance tailored to your profile.
