The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

In this New York Times article discussing a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill, Partner Parisa Karaahmet states that the increased fees could act as a deterrent for travelers. She emphasizes that the lack of clear information on how and when refunds might be issued adds to the uncertainty and may discourage travel to the US.

The article notes how this fee will apply to nonimmigrant visa applicants—including tourists, business travelers, students and medical visitors from countries like Mexico, India, Brazil and China—in addition to the existing $185 visa application fee. Visitors from visa-waiver countries (e.g., most of Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia) and most Canadians are exempt. While the fee may be refundable, the process and criteria for reimbursement remain unclear.

Read the article here.