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UNITED STATES – USCIS introduces new Visa Integrity Fee and updates to application costs.
July 21, 2025
By: Agustina Dorado, VP Americas Immigration Service Delivery.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant updates to its fee structure following the enactment of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in July 2025. Among the changes is the introduction of a Visa Integrity Fee, part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening fraud prevention and national security screening.
Although complete implementation details are still pending, these updates mark a notable shift in how immigration services are funded—and will directly affect employers, visa applicants, and international travellers alike.
Key fee changes to know.
Several government application fees have been increased, with immediate relevance to both employers and foreign nationals:
- I-94 Fee: Increased from USD $6 to $24
- ESTA Fee: Increased from USD $4 to $13
Humanitarian programs, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and asylum applications, will also see substantial fee increases. Employers with individuals under these programs should plan accordingly.
The new Visa Integrity Fee: What to expect.
Though final fee structures are still being rolled out, the Visa Integrity Fee is expected to apply to select visa categories. Its stated purpose is to fund efforts that strengthen fraud detection and improve the security vetting of applicants. Importantly, the fee will apply to most foreign nationals but will not affect lawful permanent residents.
Who is impacted?
These fee increases will affect:
- Individuals submitting new visa applications or renewals
- Employers sponsoring foreign talent or managing visa-dependent workforce strategies
- Travelers using visa waiver programs like ESTA
- Participants in humanitarian or protected status categories
While these changes aim to modernize and secure the immigration process, they also bring increased financial and administrative complexity.
Next steps for employers and travellers.
With further details still to come, those navigating the U.S. immigration process should prepare for potential increases in processing costs. We recommend staying closely informed and consulting with immigration specialists to assess case-specific impacts. Newland Chase will continue to monitor USCIS updates and provide further guidance as the regulatory landscape evolves.
Please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement. We are here to help.
