US Visa Fees Set to Increase Dramatically

Indian nationals planning to visit the United States will soon face significantly higher costs, with visa application fees expected to rise to approximately Rs 40,000 starting in 2026. This increase includes a new $250 'Visa Integrity Fee' aimed at enhancing the visa application process.

Who Will Be Affected?

The fee hike will impact a wide range of visa categories, including tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas. Technology companies, in particular, will feel the pinch as they rely heavily on work visas for transferring professionals to the US.

Understanding the New Fees

From 2026, applicants will need to pay a total of $472, which includes the new Integrity Fee of $250, an I-94 fee of $24, and an ESTA fee of $13. This represents a 2.5-fold increase from current rates, making it more expensive for Indian students, travelers, and professionals to obtain a US visa.

Refundable Security Deposit

The new fee serves as a refundable security deposit, provided visa holders leave the US within five days of their visa expiry without seeking extensions. However, this could tie up funds for students and professionals for extended periods.