What changed
Legislation signed in July 2025 (Public Law 119-21, H.R.1) created a new "Visa Integrity Fee" of $250, charged at the time a nonimmigrant visa is issued. It applies to most nonimmigrant categories, including F-1 and J-1 students, and is in addition to existing visa application (MRV) and SEVIS fees. The fee is set for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and is to be adjusted annually for inflation.
What it means for students
Indian students receiving a US student visa should plan for this additional $250 cost on top of current visa and SEVIS charges. The statute allows for possible reimbursement if the visa holder complies with the terms of their visa, but the government has not yet published a reimbursement process, so students should treat the fee as a non-recoverable cost for now.
Because collection systems are being phased in unevenly across consulates, applicants should confirm the exact fees payable on the official travel.state.gov fee schedule and with their local US consulate before their appointment.