If you’re applying for a U.S. visa, or helping someone who is be ready for important changes in how much it costs and how the process works. Starting in 2024, the U.S. government made some big updates to immigration application fees and forms. More updates are coming in 2025 and 2026, including a brand-new fee for most nonimmigrant visas. This guide breaks it all down in simple terms so you can prepare and avoid surprises.
USCIS Raised Its Fees on April 1, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) raised the prices for many applications starting April 1, 2024. These changes affect people applying for work visas like H-1B and L-1, green cards through employment, and other immigration benefits. The government says these increases are necessary to keep USCIS running properly, as it’s mostly funded by filing fees.
One important note: USCIS now uses the date your application is mailed (the postmark date) to decide which fee applies. If your form was postmarked on or after April 1, 2024, the new higher fees apply, even if USCIS gets it later.
You Must Use the Newest USCIS Forms
Along with the new fees, USCIS also rolled out updated versions of many forms, including Form I-129 (used for work visa petitions) and Form I-140 (used for employment-based green cards). These new forms are required for any filings postmarked April 1, 2024, or later. If you send an outdated form, your application will be rejected with no exceptions. There is no grace period.
That means it’s more important than ever to double-check that you’re using the latest form version before you file.
H-1B Registration Will Cost More in the Future
Right now, employers pay just $10 to enter an H-1B applicant into the annual visa lottery. USCIS wanted to increase this to $215, but it kept the $10 rate in place for the 2025 lottery held in March. However, the higher fee is still coming, likely for the 2026 lottery. Employers should plan for that cost to jump soon.
A New $250 Visa Integrity Fee Is Coming
In July 2025, a new law was signed that adds a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” to most nonimmigrant visas. This includes visitor visas (like B-1/B-2), student visas (F and M), exchange visas (J), and most work visas (like H, L, O, and P). If you apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate after this fee goes into effect, you’ll have to pay this extra $250 per person, this includes dependents, too.
People from Visa Waiver countries and diplomats are not affected. But for most applicants, this will be a significant extra cost to plan for.
When Will the New $250 Fee Be Collected?
Even though the law was passed in July 2025, the fee won’t be collected right away. The government still needs to set up the systems and rules to make it happen. Most experts believe the fee will start showing up in late 2025 or early 2026. It will apply only when a visa is actually issued, so people who are denied a visa won’t be charged.
Can You Get a Refund?
The law says the fee might be refunded if you follow all the rules of your visa. That includes things like not overstaying, not working without permission, and leaving the U.S. on time. But right now, there’s no refund process in place, and no clear instructions on how to ask for one. So even though the fee is technically refundable, it’s safer to assume you won’t get it back.
Other Fees Are Going Up Too
The same law that created the Visa Integrity Fee also raised other immigration-related fees. If you’re entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program and using ESTA, your application fee is going up from $21 to $40. People who use Form I-94 to track arrival and departure will pay $24 instead of $6. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications will now cost $500. Parole requests will now cost $1,000. And new fees also apply for asylum applications, work permits (EADs), and visa updates for certain Chinese travelers.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re an employer, sponsor, or applicant, now is the time to update your budget and your checklist. First, make sure you’re using the latest forms and paying the correct fees if you’re filing anything with USCIS. Second, be ready for the $250 Visa Integrity Fee if you’re planning to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate later this year or in 2026.
Also, if you’re applying for the H-1B visa lottery, prepare for the registration fee to jump from $10 to $215 soon. While it didn’t apply in 2025, it likely will for future rounds.
Finally, don’t assume that fees will be refunded. The rules are still unclear, and getting your money back might not be easy, even if you follow all the requirements.
Final Thoughts
Immigration to the U.S. is getting more expensive and more complicated. Whether you’re sponsoring employees, applying as a student, or planning a family visit, you’ll want to prepare ahead. Check the newest forms, build extra room into your budget, and keep an eye out for more changes in 2025 and 2026.
If you’re unsure what applies to your case, or want help getting everything right, reach out to a trusted immigration attorney. A little preparation now can save you a lot of time and money later.
