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Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows Which Countries Will Have to Pay Visa Integrity Fee to Enter US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new $250 "visa integrity fee" will soon be required for most foreign nationals applying to enter the United States, following the passage of President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The fee applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those traveling for tourism, business, education, or temporary work, and will be collected at the time the visa is issued. Although the law allows for reimbursement of the fee after the visa expires, the specifics of how this process will work have yet to be clarified. Why It Matters Since returning to office, Trump has directed his administration to remove millions of people without legal status from the country to fulfill his campaign pledge of widespread mass deportations. The new fee significantly increases the cost of obtaining a visa, especially for families and students who are already facing high application fees and travel expenses. For example, a family of four applying for tourist visas could now face an additional $1,000 in visa integrity fees alone. What To Know Drawing on information from the U.S. State Department, Newsweek has created this map to illustrate which countries will be required to pay a fee to enter the country. Nationals of countries not included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be required to pay the $250 visa integrity fee when applying for any type of non-immigrant visa. This includes citizens of countries such as India, China, Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, and the Philippines, as well as most nations in the Middle East and Africa. The fee applies to all visa categories, including short-term visas such B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F-1 (student), H-1B (temporary worker), and J-1 (exchange visitor). The $250 fee represents the minimum amount mandated by law for fiscal year 2025. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may increase the fee through regulatory rulemaking. Starting in 2026, the fee will be adjusted annually to account for inflation. While the law technically allows for a refund of the visa integrity fee, it is contingent on meeting strict compliance requirements. Travelers must fully adhere to the terms of their visa, avoid overstaying by more than five days, refrain from accepting unauthorized employment, and either depart the U.S. on time or lawfully extend or adjust their status. Refunds can only be requested after the visa expires, which may take years depending on the visa type. Currently, there is no formal refund system in place, making the fee effectively non-refundable. The fee also applies to employment-based visas. An H-1B applicant applying abroad—whose employer already covers a $780 application fee and a $500 anti-fraud fee may now be responsible for an additional $250 under the new visa integrity fee. Employers will need to decide whether to absorb this extra cost as part of employee benefits or pass it on to the worker. Regardless, it represents an additional financial and administrative burden on companies, which already bear significant legal and filing expenses in sponsoring foreign employees. What People Are Saying A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told CNBC: "The visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation." What Happens Next If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter the U.S., be prepared to pay an additional $250 on top of the existing application fees. Travelers are advised to check the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State or their nearest embassy before making travel plans later this year.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
UK travellers heading to US could be hit with new £185 visa fee under new rules
The new 'Visa Integrity Fee' under President Donald Trump's immigration policy could impact UK travellers visiting the US UK travellers heading to the United States could soon face an additional charge under new rules being proposed by the US government. The so-called 'Visa Integrity Fee' is part of President Donald Trump's proposed immigration policy, known as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and could see Brits paying a substantial fee to visit the states. The new fee is expected to take effect before the end of 2025 and will apply to individuals applying for a 'non-immigrant visa', which includes those travelling to the US for business, study or temporary work lasting longer than three months. The Visa Integrity Fee is set at around $250 (£185.80) and will be charged in addition to all existing visa application fees. It is important to note that the fee is only charged once the visa is approved. If an application is denied no fee will be collected. Additionally, the fee will also be reimbursed if travellers stick to their visa conditions such as not working illegally and not overstaying for more than five days. The reimbursement will be given after your visa expires, however, the exact process for reimbursement remains unclear. Once implemented, the revenue generated from the fee will be directed to the US Treasury Department's general fund. The US government estimates that this could bring in $28.9 billion (£21.3 billion) over the next ten years. In addition to the new visa fee, there will also be an increase in the cost of the I-94 form, which tracks arrival and departure dates for non-citizens. The fee for this form will rise from $6 (£4.46) to $24 (£17.84). According to CNBC, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security said: "President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill provides the necessary policies and resources to restore integrity in our nation's immigration system." Despite the changes, most UK travellers are unlikely to be affected, thanks to the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Under VWP, UK citizens visiting the US for tourism or short business trips typically do not require a visa. Instead, they must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), meaning they will not need to pay the new Visa Integrity Fee. An ESTA costs $21 (£15.60) and can take up to 72 hours to be approved. However, not all Brits are eligible for an ESTA. Those who have a criminal record, have previously been refused entry, deported or overstayed a prior ESTA. may need to apply for a visa and could therefore be charged the new Visa Integrity Fee. Eligible travellers can apply for an ESTA through the official US government website or the ESTA mobile app, as stated by the website. With the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee, UK travellers planning extended stays in the US are advised to check their visa requirements and stay up to date with the latest immigration policies before travelling to America.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Irish people travelling to the US for employment or study to face Trump's new $250 visa fee
IRISH PEOPLE APPLYING for a visa to visit the US for the purposes of employment or study will be subject to a new 'Visa Integrity Fee' that is to be brought in by US President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'. The proposed fee of $250 dollars will be levied alongside visitors' other visa related costs. It is reported to take effect from 1 October. Globally, the fee will apply to almost all nonimmigrant visa categories: tourist and business visas, work visas, student, and exchange. Irish nationals, however, are among a list of countries that will mainly avoid this cost. Ireland is a designated Visa Waiver Program country – essentially a country where visas are not required for the majority of nonimmigrant travel to the US. Advertisement The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travellers from VWP countries must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet certain requirements: mainly the reason for travel and not having been either a national, resident, or visitor to a list of named countries. Travel for the purposes of employment, credited study, permanent residence, or work as a journalist or in media is not permitted under the VWP and requires a visa that will be subject to the new fee. The J1 visa will also have this additional cost when implemented. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Dublin said in a statement to The Journal , 'The Trump Administration is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. 'Congress enacted 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 Department of Homeland Security is charged with implementing this fee. Any updates to fees will be posted to our visa information page at Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Brits face new £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules
VISITORS heading to America could face a 'Visa Integrity Fee' under new rules. The new fee falls under President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and could see Brits paying a substantial fee to visit Advertisement 3 Brits could have to pay a new fee to visit the US Credit: Getty 3 Under a new bill, any traveller that needs a 'nonimmigrant visa' will have to pay $250 Credit: Getty The fee will apply to anyone who needs a 'non-immigrant visa' - which includes people travelling for business , study and temporary work for more than three months. It will cost around $250 (£185.80) and is expected to be introduced before the end of 2025. The cost will also be on top of all existing visa application fees. Individuals will pay the fee once a visa is issued and if an application is denied, then you won't be charged the fee. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo The fee will also be reimbursed if travellers stick to their visa conditions such as not working illegally and not overstaying their visa by more than five days. The reimbursement will be given after your visa expires - although, the process is not clear yet. Once the fee is implemented, the money will go to the US treasury Department's general fund and is estimated to bring in $28.9billion (£21.3billion) over the next decade. There will also be an increase in the fee for the I-94 form, which records arrival and departure dates. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive The fee will rise from $6 (£4.46) to $24 (£17.84). According to immigration system." Big Changes Coming to Airport Security: TSA Liquid Rule May Be Axed Soon However, under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) - which the UK is part of - most Brits travelling to the US for tourism or short business trips, do not need a visa. Instead, they will need to apply for an Advertisement As a result, Brits eligible for and using an ESTA, will not need to pay the new Visa Integrity Fee. Brits that will be impacted by the new fee include those travelling for a purpose not covered by the VWP such as long-term study or certain types of employment or those not eligible for VWP due to their travel history , like travel to restricted countries. According to the Though travellers may be unable to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if they have been arrested, have a criminal record, have been refused admission into or have been deported from the US or have previously overstayed an ESTA visa waiver. Advertisement An ESTA application costs $21 (£15.60) and can take up to 72 hours to be approved. Tourist visa waiver for US holidays to cost more THE fee for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is expected to rise in the future. Thanks to a new bill being passed, the price of an ESTA is set to double from $21 (£15.38) to $40 (£29.30). Before entering the US, Brits are required to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The fee is currently $21 (£15.38) to apply for an ESTA - a price which was introduced in May 2022. Prior to this date, the fee was $14 (£10.25) and will now rise to $40 (£29.30) although an official start date is yet to be confirmed. The rise in fees is part of US President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill". The current rules require every visitor from the UK to apply for an ESTA to be allowed access into the United States. An ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of approval, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. If your passport expires before the two-year period, your ESTA will be valid only until the passport's expiration date. These are the latest travel rules for Brits heading to America after European tourists have been stopped at the border. Plus, 3 However, Brits can avoid the fee under the Visa Waiver Programme Credit: Getty Advertisement
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Brits face new £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules
Plus, the cost of an ESTA tourist visa waiver for US holidays is expected to double HOL-D ON Brits face new £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VISITORS heading to America could face a 'Visa Integrity Fee' under new rules. The new fee falls under President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' and could see Brits paying a substantial fee to visit America. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Brits could have to pay a new fee to visit the US Credit: Getty 3 Under a new bill, any traveller that needs a 'nonimmigrant visa' will have to pay $250 Credit: Getty The fee will apply to anyone who needs a 'non-immigrant visa' - which includes people travelling for business, study and temporary work for more than three months. It will cost around $250 (£185.80) and is expected to be introduced before the end of 2025. The cost will also be on top of all existing visa application fees. Individuals will pay the fee once a visa is issued and if an application is denied, then you won't be charged the fee. The fee will also be reimbursed if travellers stick to their visa conditions such as not working illegally and not overstaying their visa by more than five days. The reimbursement will be given after your visa expires - although, the process is not clear yet. Once the fee is implemented, the money will go to the US treasury Department's general fund and is estimated to bring in $28.9billion (£21.3billion) over the next decade. There will also be an increase in the fee for the I-94 form, which records arrival and departure dates. The fee will rise from $6 (£4.46) to $24 (£17.84). According to CNBC, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security said: "President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill provides the necessary policies and resources to restore integrity in our nation's immigration system." Big Changes Coming to Airport Security: TSA Liquid Rule May Be Axed Soon However, under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) - which the UK is part of - most Brits travelling to the US for tourism or short business trips, do not need a visa. Instead, they will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). As a result, Brits eligible for and using an ESTA, will not need to pay the new Visa Integrity Fee. Brits that will be impacted by the new fee include those travelling for a purpose not covered by the VWP such as long-term study or certain types of employment or those not eligible for VWP due to their travel history, like travel to restricted countries. According to the website, travellers can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or by using the ESTA mobile app. Though travellers may be unable to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if they have been arrested, have a criminal record, have been refused admission into or have been deported from the US or have previously overstayed an ESTA visa waiver. An ESTA application costs $21 (£15.60) and can take up to 72 hours to be approved. Tourist visa waiver for US holidays to cost more THE fee for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is expected to rise in the future. Thanks to a new bill being passed, the price of an ESTA is set to double from $21 (£15.38) to $40 (£29.30). Before entering the US, Brits are required to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The fee is currently $21 (£15.38) to apply for an ESTA - a price which was introduced in May 2022. Prior to this date, the fee was $14 (£10.25) and will now rise to $40 (£29.30) although an official start date is yet to be confirmed. The rise in fees is part of US President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill". The current rules require every visitor from the UK to apply for an ESTA to be allowed access into the United States. An ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of approval, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. If your passport expires before the two-year period, your ESTA will be valid only until the passport's expiration date. These are the latest travel rules for Brits heading to America after European tourists have been stopped at the border. Plus, Brits will face a new £17 visa-waiver charge to travel to Europe next year.
