The $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for nonimmigrant US visas, touted as a key measure to curb overstays and bolster border security, has yet to take effect more than a month after its widely publicized October 1 rollout date. The fee, enacted under the controversial “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1) signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, was expected to add a refundable surcharge for tourist, student, and temporary work visas.
However, inter-agency coordination between the Department of State (DOS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stalled the launch, leaving the standard $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee unchanged for now. “The standard fee for a non-petition-based nonimmigrant U.S. visa remains $185 USD,” a State Department spokesperson confirmed to NepYork.
The holdup is due to ongoing discussions on implementation logistics, including how the fee—designed as a refundable “security deposit” for compliance—would be collected, tracked, and disbursed.
“Congress enacted and charged DHS with collecting the Visa Integrity Fee as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill to support the Administration’s priorities of strengthening immigration enforcement, deterring visa overstays, and funding border security,” the Spokesperson further confirmed. “The Department of State and DHS are discussing implementation.”
A July 22 Federal Register notice had also flagged the need for “cross-agency coordination,” and no subsequent rulemaking has materialized. Travelers are advised to monitor official channels. All updates will appear on the State Department’s visa fees page, where the current schedule lists no changes.
Enacted as part of the sweeping OBBBA, which allocates $170.7 billion over four years to immigration enforcement, the fee aims to deter visa overstays by refunding the $250 only to those who fully adhere to their visa terms upon departure. Exemptions were set for Visa Waiver Program participants, diplomats, and certain Canadians.
Support NepYork – Your Nonprofit News Media for the Nepali Community
NepYork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the Showcase of Nepalis in New York, delivering timely local news and vital resources on immigration, housing, taxes, health, business, and more. Our mission is to safeguard community journalism, amplify the voices of Nepali immigrants in NYC, and foster understanding, solidarity, and empowerment.
By donating to NepYork, you help us enhance participation in democracy, improve access to essential resources, and share authentic stories that reflect the vibrant, diverse experiences of Nepali New Yorkers. Together, we can connect, inform, and empower our community. Every contribution ensures these voices are heard and valued.
Donate today to keep Nepali stories alive and thriving in New York!
By supporting us through the ongoing NewsMatch program, the gift you provide will be matched by the NewsMatch program with the same amount. NewsMatch also offers an option to match your gift up to 12 times. For example, if you donate $80, NewsMatch will add $960 (12 times) and provide a total of $1040 to us. However, for that, you must choose the monthly donation option. Please note: After choosing the monthly donation option, the same amount will be deducted from your account every month. You can cancel the monthly donation at any time in the future.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
