UAE residents planning to travel to the United States will now pay an additional $250 or more for their nonimmigrant visa applications. The change comes after US President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on July 4, 2025, introducing a mandatory Visa Integrity Fee aimed at bolstering immigration compliance.
Key Facts: Visa Integrity Fee Explained
- Effective From: Fiscal year 2025 (starting October 1, 2025)
- Applies To: All nonimmigrant visas (B1/B2, F, H, etc.)
- Base Fee: $250 minimum
- Adjustable: Annual increase based on inflation from 2026
- Non-refundable: Except under strict compliance conditions
What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new mandatory charge added on top of the regular US visa fees. For instance, the current fee for a B1/B2 (tourist/business) visa is $185. With the new law, UAE residents must now budget a total of at least $435 when applying for a nonimmigrant visa.
The legislation allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to raise the fee beyond $250 as deemed necessary. Moreover, this fee is not a one-time initiative — it will be recalibrated annually using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting in 2026.
“The goal is to uphold the integrity of the US immigration system,” stated a congressional aide familiar with the bill’s formulation.
Can You Get a Refund?
In rare cases, applicants may qualify for a reimbursement. However, the following strict conditions must be met:
- No violation of visa rules (e.g., no unauthorized work)
- Departure from the US within 5 days of visa expiry (unless extended)
- Visa holder obtained legal extension or adjusted status (e.g., green card)
There is no waiver option, regardless of financial or humanitarian circumstances.
Who Does the US Visa Fee Affect in the UAE?
This fee impacts thousands of UAE-based residents, including:
- Students applying for F or M visas to attend US universities
- Tourists planning family trips or holidays
- Employees of UAE-based firms seeking short- or long-term assignments in the US
Given the significant expatriate population in the UAE and the volume of US visa applications processed annually, the change is expected to affect a wide spectrum of travelers.
Broader Impact & Next Steps
The fee forms part of a larger immigration policy shift aimed at minimizing overstays and visa misuse. It sends a strong message about compliance while also potentially reducing application volume.
Travelers are advised to:
- Apply early to prepare for the additional cost
- Keep documentation of visa compliance to qualify for refunds
- Consult embassy updates before booking travel
The new Visa Integrity Fee marks a significant change in the cost of visiting or studying in the US. With a minimum of $250 added to all nonimmigrant visa categories, UAE applicants should prepare for a more expensive — and more scrutinized — visa process.
