Tourist, student, and H-1B applicants to face steeper charges under 2026 visa overhaul
In a significant development for international travellers and immigrants, the Trump administration has signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introducing major visa fee hikes across categories. A key component of the legislation is a new $250 (₹21,435) Visa Integrity Fee, which will be mandatory for most non-immigrant visa applicants beginning in 2026, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
The new law raises US visa costs by over 150%, affecting Indian tourists, students, and skilled professionals.
The $250 Integrity Fee will apply to nearly all visa types—including tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas. Only diplomatic visa categories (A and G) are exempt.
Additionally, the bill mandates new charges:
- $24 (₹2,056) for applicants submitting Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- $13 (₹1,114) for electronic travel authorization (ESTA)
Currently, Indian applicants pay $185 (₹15,855) for a US tourist or business visa. Under the new fee structure, the total cost would rise to approximately $472 (₹40,456)—more than double the current rate.
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Visa costs to surge for Indian travellers, students, and workers from 2026
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This sweeping visa reform is expected to significantly impact Indian nationals seeking to visit, study, or work in the US
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The inclusion of all major visa classes, from students to professionals under H-1B, will make US entry more expensive than ever for non-immigrants
While the administration claims the additional fees will enhance “visa security and integrity,” critics argue it may disproportionately burden genuine applicants and reduce global mobility.
The fee hike also comes amid broader debates on immigration policy and U.S. visa backlogs, with experts warning of potential ripple effects on foreign student enrolments and tech-sector recruitment.
