Trump slaps new $ 250 visa fee

Move to charge additional 'Visa Integrity Fee' from 1 October; steep financial blow to tourists including Sri Lankans

- BY ROY DENISH

IN a move reflecting his 'America First' agenda, US President Donald J. Trump has introduced the 'Visa Integrity Fee' as part of his 'One Big Beautiful Bill' to charge an additional $ 250 for visitors entering the US on various temporary visas, including tourist, business, and exchange, significantly impacting a vast number of immigrants.

The law, signed into law on 4 July and overwhelmingly supported by his party stalwarts, will have a devastating consequence on Sri Lankans, given the devaluation of the rupee in the world market. The implementation of the legislation is slated to come into effect from 1 October this year.

"The landscape of international travel to the US is undergoing a significant shift with the introduction of a new 'Visa Integrity Fee. This additional charge, set at $ 250, is poised to impact a vast number of non-immigrant visitors, including those seeking entry for holiday, business, or educational pursuits.

As of July 2025, this development necessitates a comprehensive understanding for all prospective travellers, as it adds a new layer of financial consideration to the already existing visa application processes," an immigration lawyer in San Fernando Valley said.

Its stated objective by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is to bolster the integrity of the US immigration system by deterring visa overstays.

This fee functions somewhat as a compliance bond, applying broadly to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories. This includes the widely used B-1/B-2 visas for tourism and business, F and M visas for students, H-1B/H-4 visas for temporary workers, and J visas for exchange visitors.