Spanish
Washington. – The government of the United States is preparing to apply a US$250 increase to the cost of non-immigrant visas, as part of a new measure included in the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill", recently signed by President Donald Trump.
With this increase, the fee will go from US$185 to US$435 per application, and will include a new charge called "integrity fee", which will be charged when issuing any non-immigrant visa, such as those for tourism, work, studies or exchanges. The measure would take effect on October 1, coinciding with the beginning of fiscal year 2025.
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According to the executive summary of the new budget law, the fee may be adjusted annually for inflation starting in 2026 and could even exceed US$250 if determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through regulation.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed the imminent change through a statement published on July 11, noting that in the coming days they will report on the implementation of the new fees.
The law also contemplates a possible refund for those who fully comply with the terms of their visa and leave the country without violating the conditions of stay or obtain a legal extension or adjustment of status. However, it clarifies that the fee may not be waived or reduced under any circumstances.
In addition to the increase in visas, the legislation introduces other immigration fees. Among them, an annual fee of US$100 for political asylum applicants, a charge of US$550 for those requiring work permits, and a fee of US$500 for those applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
All these fees must be paid along with any other costs established by law and will be allocated to the general fund of the United States Treasury, except for those that are reimbursed in authorized cases.
