The US administration’s H-1 B visa fee hike has sparked a global debate, particularly after the introduction of the $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” that takes effect in January 2022.
This surcharge, part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act, applies to nearly all non‑immigrant visa categories — including tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F/M), work (H‑1B), and exchange (J) visas.
With the fee hike, the administration is also preparing a series of policy changes before March 2026 aimed at tightening compliance, streamlining enforcement, and reshaping immigration flows.
Visa Fee Hike and Its Impact
From January 2026, the total cost of a US tourist or business visa for Indian applicants will rise from $185 to nearly $472 (₹40,000). This includes:
- $185 standard visa fee
- $250 Visa Integrity Fee
- $24 I‑94 processing fee
- $13–$30 additional surcharges (ESTA/EVUS, depending on category)
This represents a 2.5x increase compared to current costs. Students and professionals are expected to feel the heaviest burden, with consultants warning of a potential decline in US university applications.
Major Changes Planned Before March 2026 After the Fee Hike
1. Stricter Visa Compliance Monitoring
The administration plans to link the Visa Integrity Fee refund to strict compliance. Refunds will only be processed if applicants prove timely departure or lawful status adjustment. Overstays or even minor violations will forfeit the $250 deposit.
Significant changes are expected in the H-1B visa process starting February 2026 including the implementation of a $100,000 fee.
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2. Expansion of Travel Surcharges
In addition to the Integrity Fee, the government has introduced a $24 I‑94 fee and a $30 EVUS fee for Chinese nationals with 10‑year visas. These surcharges are expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the US Treasury.
3. Increased Scrutiny on Students and Workers
Education consultants note that Indian students, who make up nearly 25% of all international students in the US, may reconsider their options due to higher upfront costs and refund uncertainty. Similarly, IT companies sponsoring H‑1B visas will face higher compliance costs, potentially reshaping hiring strategies.
4. Annual Fee Adjustments Linked to Inflation
The Integrity Fee is indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning it will rise automatically each year starting in 2026. This ensures that visa costs will continue to climb, even beyond the initial hike.
5. Push for Pre‑2026 Applications
The administration has encouraged applicants to apply before December 31, 2025, to lock in the current $185 fee. Travel advisors say this could lead to a surge in applications in late 2025, as families, students, and professionals try to avoid the new charges.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has hinted that the H-1B visa programme may face major changes before the $100,000 application fee begins in February 2026. He called the current system a "wrong idea," saying it unfairly benefits low-cost tech consultants instead of highly… pic.twitter.com/WTXbuLNOXi
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Broader Context and Reactions
While the US government frames the changes as a way to “strengthen immigration enforcement and ensure compliance”, critics argue that the policy could discourage talent and tourism. “The biggest concern is not just the increase in cost, but the ambiguity around the refund mechanism,” said one education consultant.
Meanwhile, industry analysts note that the US remains the top destination for higher education and skilled migration, but countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia may benefit from students and workers deterred by the new costs.
The major changes the US administration wants to implement before March 2026 after the fee hike revolve around compliance, enforcement, and revenue generation.
With visa costs nearly tripling, stricter refund conditions, and annual inflation‑linked increases, the landscape for international students, workers, and travelers is shifting rapidly.
For millions worldwide, the next few months will be crucial in deciding whether to apply early or explore alternative destinations.
