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News Topical, Digital Desk : Many people from India live in America. Some have gone there to study and some to work. Some people have settled in America for many years and some people go to America for travelling. Earlier, getting an American visa was not that difficult and it did not affect the pocket much. But after the implementation of the new law named 'One Big Beautiful Bill' brought by the government of US President Donald Trump, going to America is going to be very expensive. Trump has passed this new law and signed this bill on July 4. Under this law, a new fee will be applicable from 2026 - 'Visa Integrity Fee'.
As soon as this is implemented, the US visa will become 2.5 times more expensive than before. This will especially affect students, tourists and professionals working in the IT sector.
What is Visa Integrity Fee?
- This is a new fee of $250 (approximately Rs 21,400).
- This fee will be applicable from 2026.
- This fee will be non-refundable.
- This can be changed every year depending on the inflation rate.
Implementation of Visa Integrity Fee means that the visa which used to cost Rs 16,000, can now cost over Rs 40,000.
Who all will have to pay this fee?
- This new fee will mostly affect non-immigrant visa holders.
- Fees will be required for tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2).
- Students studying in America will have to pay this fee.
- Professionals going to America for jobs will have to pay this fee.
- Those with Exchange Visitor Visa (J) will also have to pay this fee.
- Only diplomatic visa holders (A and G categories) will be exempted from this.
How much more expensive will the US visa be now?
At present, a normal B-1/B-2 visa to America costs $185 (15 thousand rupees). After the new fees come into effect from 2026, it is going to cost people dearly:-
- Visa fee- $185 (15 thousand rupees)
- Visa Integrity Fee- $250 (about Rs 21,400)
- I-94 fee- $24 (Rs 2,000)
- ESTA fee- $13 (around Rs 1200)
- Total fee- $472 (about Rs 40,000)
Can the fees be refunded?
If someone talks about refund, the answer is yes, but the fee can be refunded only in certain circumstances. If the visa holder leaves the US within 5 days of the completion of his visa period, then the fee can be refunded.
Along with this, if he legally extends his stay or applies for a green card, then the fee can also be refunded. But, if a person breaks the rules or overstays, then the fee will not be refunded.
Why did Trump implement this rule?
This new rule has been introduced to strengthen America's security and immigration laws. The government's aim is that foreign citizens follow the legal rules.
It can also be considered as a kind of security deposit. This policy will be managed by the US Department of Homeland Security and its amount can change every year according to the inflation rate.
Trump imposed another new tax
Another big decision has been taken in the new law brought by the Trump government. Now a 1% tax will be imposed on sending money from America to India or any other country. This decision may further affect the Indian immigrants living there.
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