Visa Integrity Fee: Impact on UAE Travelers

American Visa Fee Hike: What it Means for UAE Residents

The United States' new visa fee regulations affect many people worldwide, including residents of the United Arab Emirates. The newly introduced Visa Integrity Fee not only raises the costs of visa applications but also establishes new rules and conditions regarding the possibility of refunds. Below, we provide a detailed overview of what needs to be known about this fee and how it affects those applying for tourist, student, or work visas.

What is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a new mandatory charge that must be paid by every non-immigrant visa applicant, including tourist, student, and work visas. The purpose of the fee is to strengthen the reliability of the American immigration system and to reduce visa abuses.

How much does it cost?

The fee is at least 250 US dollars, but the amount may be higher if the U.S. Department of Homeland Security so decides. It is important to note that:

The fee cannot be waived or requested for exemption.

It may be adjusted annually according to inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) - the first such adjustment is expected in 2026.

Which types of visas are affected?

The Visa Integrity Fee applies to all non-immigrant visa categories, which means:

B1/B2 (tourist and business)

F1 (student)

H1B, L, O (work visas)

Other temporary visa types

This fee does not include existing visa fees – it must be paid in addition.

Is the fee refundable?

The fee is generally non-refundable, but partial or full refunds may be possible under certain conditions. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. Compliance – the visa holder has not worked illegally, and has adhered to all visa conditions.

2. Timely departure – the individual left the United States no later than 5 days after the visa's expiration, without applying for an extension.

3. Status change – received a green card or valid extension before the visa expired.

It is important to note that refunds do not happen automatically, eligibility must be proven, and a separate process is used to determine this.

What does this mean for UAE residents?

Many residents of the United Arab Emirates travel regularly to the United States for studies, business, or tourism. The new Visa Integrity Fee increases the total cost of visa applications, so it's important to plan ahead for these new financial burdens. Depending on the visa category and travel intentions, the total fee may now reach as high as 600–700 dollars.

What should travelers consider?

Research the total visa costs in advance, including the Integrity Fee.

Avoid engaging in illegal work in the USA as this disqualifies eligibility for fee refunds.

Monitor the visa expiration and leave the country on time if there is no intention to extend it.

Retain documentation of visa use, as it may be needed for refunds.

Summary

The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee represents a significant change for non-immigrant visa applicants, especially regarding costs. The aim of the fee is to maintain the integrity of the American immigration system, but it also imposes new responsibilities on visa applicants. For UAE residents – who are active travelers and economic partners with the USA – it's especially important to be aware of these rules and act responsibly during visa application and use.

(The article is based on an announcement by the U.S. embassy.)