US Immigration Fees Set To Increase In 2026: How It May Impact Indians
Starting January 1, 2026, individuals applying for various U.S. immigration benefits and visas will face increased fees, potentially impacting Indian nationals seeking opportunities in the United States. These adjustments are mandated under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (HR-1), signed into law on July 4, 2025, which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to revise certain immigration-related fees annually to reflect inflation.
Key Fee Changes and Their Impact
Several specific fee adjustments will take effect:
- Visa Integrity Fee: A new $250 "Visa Integrity Fee" will be applicable to all non-immigrant visa categories, including B1/B2 (tourist), F1 (student), and H-1B (work visas). This non-refundable fee aims to strengthen the visa system and address misuse.
- Parole Fee: The fee for applying for parole, which grants temporary permission to enter and stay in the U.S. without a visa under certain humanitarian or public interest conditions, will increase from $1,000 to $1,020.
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): The ESTA fee will see a slight increase of $0.27, rising from $40 to $40.27. However, this change is unlikely to affect Indian citizens, as India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which requires travelers from VWP countries to obtain electronic travel authorization before entering the U.S.
- Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS): The EVUS fee will increase by $0.75, from $30 to $30.75. This fee applies only to Chinese B-1/B-2 visa holders who need to update their details periodically.
- Form I-94: The fee for Form I-94, the Arrival/Departure Record that certain overseas visitors must submit to gain entry into the U.S., will remain unchanged at $30 for fiscal year 2026.
Financial Implications for Indian Applicants
The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee is expected to significantly increase the overall cost of U.S. visas for Indian applicants. For instance, a standard B1/B2 visa that currently costs $185 will now cost approximately $472 (₹40,000), representing a substantial increase. This increase could deter many Indian students, professionals, and tourists from applying for U.S. visas.
Impact on Tech Companies and H-1B Workers
The increased visa costs may also impact technology firms that heavily rely on H-1B visa transfers for their employees. Higher visa expenses could increase overall operational costs for IT and outsourcing companies, which are already operating with tight margins.
Expert Opinions
Keshav Singhania, Head – Private Client at Singhania & Co., noted that the Visa Integrity Fee could deter new Indian students and travelers from applying for U.S. visas, as the revised processing cost would be significantly higher than existing fees.
DHS Rationale
The DHS has stated that these adjustments are necessary to cover the costs of processing immigration applications and providing essential services. The fees are also intended to promote visa compliance, with potential refund mechanisms for individuals who adhere to visa regulations.
Conclusion
The upcoming increase in U.S. immigration fees, particularly the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee, is poised to have a considerable impact on Indian nationals aspiring to travel, study, or work in the United States. While some fee adjustments may not directly affect all Indian visa applicants, the overall rise in costs could make U.S. travel and employment more expensive, necessitating careful financial planning for prospective applicants.
