From October 2025, all UAE residents applying for a US nonimmigrant visa will have to pay an extra $250 as part of a new rule. This update follows US President Donald Trump’s approval of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4, 2025. The new Visa Integrity Fee will be added to the regular visa application cost.
Visa Integrity Fee: Key Details
- Starts from: October 1, 2025 (US fiscal year 2025)
- Fee amount: Minimum $250, in addition to standard visa charges
- Covers: All nonimmigrant visas like tourist (B1/B2), student (F), and work (H)
- Yearly increase: Based on inflation starting from 2026
- Non-refundable: Only refunded if strict conditions are met
What Is Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new extra charge on top of the current US visa application fees. For example, the B1/B2 visa already costs $185, and now this new law will add at least $250, bringing the total to $435 or more.
The law allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to change the amount as needed. From 2026 onwards, the fee will increase every year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
“This step will help the US make sure that visitors follow the visa rules,” said a US government official.
US Visa Integrity Fee Refund?
You cannot skip the Visa Integrity Fee, but in some rare cases, you can get a refund if you:
- Did not break any visa rules (such as working illegally)
- Left the US within 5 days of visa expiry without asking for an extension
- Got a legal extension or green card during your stay
If you meet these rules, the US may refund the fee. But for most people, the fee will not be returned.
Who Will Pay the Visa Integrity Fee in the UAE?
The new rule affects many UAE residents, especially:
- Tourists going for holidays or family visits
- Students applying to study in the US
- Employees going to the US for short or long work assignments
With many people in the UAE applying for US visas every year, this fee will affect a large number of travelers.
Why This Is Important?
The new fee is part of bigger US changes in immigration rules. It is expected to:
- Make travelers more careful about visa terms
- Add a financial reason to follow rules
- Reduce overstays and illegal work cases
Travelers should now:
- Plan early and include the extra fee in their budget
- Keep proof of visa rule-following in case they apply for a refund later
- Check updates from the US embassy before booking flights
UAE residents applying for US nonimmigrant visas will now pay at least $250 more due to a new Visa Integrity Fee. The rule starts in October 2025 and affects tourists, students, and workers. While some refunds are possible, most applicants will need to pay the full amount.
