A. M. The U.S. Government announced the implementation of a new mandatory fee for visa applicants, including the B1/B2 type for tourism and business. This is the so-called “integrity fee”, valued at US$250, which will be automatically added to the current fee of US$185, raising the total cost of the process to US$435 per applicant.
This measure is part of the legislative bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, promoted by President Donald Trump. The legislation was recently approved by the Senate and combines tax, health and immigration policies, including new fees for foreigners applying for non-immigrant visas.
Although the exact date on which it will go into effect has not yet been confirmed, the new fee will apply during fiscal year 2025 or as soon as it is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The fee may not be reduced or waived, and must be paid in full by each visa applicant.
The U.S. administration argues that this fee seeks to encourage legal compliance among international visitors. However, critics, especially in the tourism sector, warn that the increase in costs could reduce the flow of foreign travelers to the country.
This “integrity fee” is part of a package of 22 new immigration fees proposed by the House Judiciary Committee, with strong Republican support. Its implementation marks a shift toward more restrictive policies in the handling of temporary immigration to the U.S.
