US B2 Visitor Visa Changes: What You Need to Know In 2025

For anyone thinking about applying for a B-2 visitor visa, or who wants to support the visa application of a spouse or friend, here’s an important update.

As part of the recent budget bill signed into law on July 4, a new visa fee was enacted. The fee is called the “Visa Integrity Fee” and goes into effect in 2026.

It applies to all B-1/B-2, F-1 student, H-1B, and J-1 nonimmigrant visas.

In this video, I’ll focus on the most common visa category: the B-2 visitor visa.

So let’s start with the cost.

The new fee will be $250. Once the fee is implemented in 2026, the total cost of a U.S. visitor visa will be:

• $185 paid when submitting the application, plus
• the $250 Integrity Fee paid if the application is approved.

That brings the total cost to $435.

The Integrity Fee amount may also increase annually based on inflation or at the discretion of DHS.

The Integrity Fee is intended to work like a deposit to encourage visitors to fully comply with the terms of their visa. Once a visitor timely departs the United States, they may apply for a refund.

A few things to note:

First, it’s not yet clear how refunds will be processed or how quickly they will be issued. Please subscribe for future updates, and we’ll post more information as soon as DHS provides additional guidance.

It’s also unclear whether applicants will need to pay a new deposit and seek a refund each time they enter the United States during the validity period of their B-2 visa.

There may be a dedicated online refund portal where travelers can submit proof of compliance. However, what will count as adequate proof of compliance has not yet been specified.

So what should you do if you’re applying to visit the United States next year?

First, budget for the Integrity Fee and be prepared to pay it if your B-2 visa is approved.

Second, keep records of your visit, including departure stamps and proof of your activities.

Finally, stay tuned for future updates.

I know some of you may be wondering whether the Integrity Fee means the standard for issuing a B-2 visa will change, or whether it will become easier for Thai nationals and others from this region to obtain a U.S. visitor visa.

The short answer is unfortunately no.

At this point, the Integrity Fee appears to serve only as additional assurance of compliance. The presumption that an applicant may intend to overstay or work unlawfully in the United States still remains in place.

It is possible—but not easy—to overcome this presumption by establishing strong ties to Thailand, such as stable employment, business ownership, property, or family obligations.

It also helps if the applicant is a trusted international traveler with a history of complying with other countries’ visa requirements.

Thanks for watching. If you found this U.S. visa update helpful, please like and subscribe. Your support helps us continue providing future updates.