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U.S. introducing $250 visa fee for many foreign travellers, including Canadian residents
It is about to get more expensive for some travellers to enter the United States. A new US$250 Visa Integrity Fee will soon be required from non-immigrant visa applicants under a sweeping immigration and border security law signed July 4.
The fee, introduced in the H.R.1 Act, commonly referred to as One Big Beautiful Bill by the U.S. administration, will apply to foreign nationals from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program. That includes Canadian permanent and temporary residents from nations such as India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan and Brazil. The new cost is expected to take effect in late 2025.
While most Canadian citizens are exempt from needing a visa to enter the United States, the fee will still apply to those applying for specific non-immigrant visas, including work, student, or fiancé categories. It will also affect Canadians travelling for diplomatic reasons, treaty business, or under special immigration circumstances.
The fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. However, limited reimbursement may be available for visa holders who follow all conditions, leave the U.S. promptly, or have their visa adjusted to permanent resident status. Full details on how to apply for a refund have not yet been released.
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