New $250 US visa fee set to hit travellers from 2026
Visa Integrity Fee will apply to most non-immigrant US visas
DUBAI: People planning trips to the United States will soon face significantly higher visa costs.
A new legislation under the H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act has introduced a mandatory Visa Integrity Fee of $250 for most non-immigrant US visa categories. This additional charge will be imposed on top of the standard visa application fee, bringing the total cost to at least $435 for popular categories such as the B-1/B-2 visitor visas.
The measure is scheduled to come into effect at the start of fiscal year 2026 and applies to a wide range of visas including those for tourism, business, education, employment, and exchange visits. The fee is non-refundable at the time of issuance and is aimed at promoting stricter visa compliance.
Who will be affected?
All applicants for non-immigrant visas, including students (F and M), skilled workers (H-1B), and exchange visitors (J), will be subject to the new surcharge. Only diplomatic and international organisation staff holding A and G visa categories will be exempt. For travellers from the UAE, who often visit the US for business, study, or leisure, the change represents a near doubling of existing visa costs.
Here’s a breakdown of what applicants can expect:
- B-1/B-2 visa (tourism/business): Current fee $185 → New total cost $435
- F, M, J, H-1B visas: Standard fee + $250 surcharge
The Visa Integrity Fee is expected to be revised annually from 2027 onwards, based on inflation metrics, further increasing the financial burden for repeat travellers and students.
Refund eligibility and conditions
While the $250 fee is non-refundable by default, a reimbursement may be possible under strict conditions. Applicants who follow all visa rules, avoid unauthorised employment, and either leave the US within five days of their visa expiration or legally adjust their immigration status may qualify for a refund.
The decision to reimburse will lie with the US Secretary of Homeland Security and is not guaranteed. The refund process will not be automatic and may require proof of compliance with visa terms.
Broader implications
The change is likely to influence travel decisions for thousands of UAE residents, with increased costs potentially discouraging some from choosing the US as a destination for tourism, education, or work. For many, the added expense will now become a significant factor when planning visits or study programmes.
In contrast, destinations like Armenia have recently eliminated visa requirements for UAE citizens and residents. From 1 July, UAE nationals can now enter Armenia visa-free, offering a more affordable and hassle-free travel option amid rising US entry costs.
As visa policies shift globally, UAE travellers are encouraged to weigh their options carefully and stay informed about new costs and requirements.