Trump's Visa Fee Hike: Indians to Pay 300% More from 2026
By : Sandhya
Planning a U.S. Trip in 2026? Visa Costs for Indians to Soar Under New U.S. Law
Indian travelers planning to visit the United States in 2026 may face a steep hike in visa costs, thanks to sweeping changes introduced under U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly signed *One Big Beautiful Bill Act*. The comprehensive visa reform law, passed on July 4, 2025, introduces What’s Changing?
One of the most significant additions is the mandatory **-$250 "Visa Integrity Fee"** (approx. ₹21,400), applicable to all **non-immigrant visa categories**, including:
* B-1/B-2 (Tourist/Business)
* F and M (Student)
* H-1B (Work Visa)
* J (Exchange Visitor)
The only exemptions are for **diplomatic visa categories (A and G)**.
This non-refundable fee must be paid with every new visa application filed from 2026 onwards. While it’s technically refundable if the visa holder exits the U.S. within five days of visa expiry, in reality, refunds—especially for students and professionals—could take years.
More Hidden Costs
In addition to the Visa Integrity Fee, the following charges are also being enforced:
* $24** for **Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)** – approx. ₹2,060
* $13 ESTA Fee** – approx. ₹1,120 (for Visa Waiver Program travelers)
These are on top of the existing * $185 visa application fee** (approx. ₹15,900), which remains unchanged.
Total Cost: From ₹16,000 to ₹40,000+
With the new fees factored in, the cost of obtaining a standard U.S. tourist or student visa could now exceed **₹40,000**—more than double the amount typically paid in 2025.
Why the Sudden Hike?
The Trump administration claims the changes aim to increase visa compliance and enhance national security by introducing financial accountability. However, critics argue the fee hikes unfairly burden travelers from countries like India, where students and working professionals are among the largest groups seeking U.S. visas.
Bottom Line
Whether you're planning a holiday, higher education, or a career opportunity in the U.S., 2026 will be a more expensive year to apply. If America is on your radar, **start budgeting early**—or risk having your travel plans delayed or derailed by rising visa costs.