The new fee, effective from October 2025, adds a significant cost to U.S. visa applications and could deter thousands of Australians from visiting.
The United States is introducing a new visa fee that could significantly impact Australian travellers’ wallets. Introduced under Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the Visa Integrity Fee will add US$250 (around AU$375) to all non-immigrant visa applications starting October 1, 2025.
A Sharp Cost Increase
This new charge will be applied in addition to the existing visa application fees. For instance, a B-2 tourist visa, which currently costs US$185, will jump to US$435 (over AU$700) with the additional integrity fee. The policy will affect those applying for work, study, or tourist visas, including categories like F/M student visas, J exchange programs, and H-1B visas.
Australians entering the U.S. via the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) will not be hit by the $250 fee. However, the ESTA application fee will also increase from US$21 to US$40, meaning even short-term travellers will face higher costs.
Refund Possibility Unclear
The U.S. government has suggested that the Visa Integrity Fee could be refunded if travellers fully comply with their visa conditions—such as leaving the country on time and avoiding illegal work. However, no clear refund guidelines have been provided, leaving visa applicants uncertain.
Industry Concerns
Tourism bodies and travel agents are warning that the new fee may discourage international visitors, particularly Australians who are already facing rising travel costs. With major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, industry experts argue this policy risks deterring global tourists.
The U.S. Travel Association has described the new charge as a “self-imposed tariff” that could hinder the country’s ability to attract international visitors and hurt the tourism industry.
Impact on Australian Tourism Plans
For Australians planning a trip to the U.S., the additional fee results in a significant increase in upfront costs. Travel agencies are expecting a decline in bookings as a result. Given that Australian visitor numbers to the U.S. were already down by 7% in early 2025, this new policy could worsen the trend.
Bullseye – Migration Agent Brisbane’s View
At Bullseye, a trusted migration agent in Brisbane, we understand the confusion and frustration that travellers may face due to this new policy. Many Australians are already concerned about complex visa processes and rising travel costs. Our experts advise early planning and staying informed about the latest visa regulations to avoid last-minute surprises.
For those needing assistance with U.S. visas, student visas, or migration advice, Bullseye can help navigate these new rules and ensure applications are handled efficiently.
Bottom Line
Australian travellers heading to the United States should prepare for higher visa costs from late 2025. While ESTA remains the cheaper option for short-term stays, the sharp rise in visa expenses may prompt some travellers to reconsider their U.S. holiday plans.
