Candian PRs May Need To Pay $250 Extra to Visit USA From October Onwards

This change affects anyone who must get a B‑1/B‑2 or other U.S. visa — but we’re covering it because it applies specifically to permanent residents of Canada holding passports from visa‑required countries. Below, we break down who pays, how much it costs, and how you may be able to get your money back. 

What Is the Visa Integrity Fee? 

The Visa Integrity Fee is a one‑time charge collected when you apply for a nonimmigrant visa. For the fiscal year 2025, the fee is set at $250 or a higher amount if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) raises it by rule. From 2026 onward, the fee will rise annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI‑U). 

This became law in section 100007 of the H.R. 1 (aka the One Big Beautiful Bill). So it’s  likely a matter of when, not if, this change comes into effect.  

Who Will Pay the Fee? 

Any “alien” issued a nonimmigrant visa must pay this fee when the visa is issued. Citizens of visa‑waiver countries (those eligible for ESTA) never receive a visa stamp for tourism or business, so they aren’t charged. That means holders of passports from visa‑required countries—even if they live in Canada as permanent residents—will pay the fee. 

How Much Will It Cost? 

• Fiscal Year 2025: $250 minimum (or more if DHS sets a higher amount). 

• Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond: Last year’s fee plus an inflation adjustment based on the CPI‑U for July. 

The annual increase will round down to the nearest dollar. 

Exemption for Visa Waiver and ESTA Travelers 

Travelers from one of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program countries apply for travel authorization through ESTA instead of a visa. ESTA applicants pay a separate visa‑waiver fee, not the new Visa Integrity Fee. If you hold a passport from an ESTA country, you likely won’t pay this new nonimmigrant visa charge. 

Fee Reimbursement (“May” Return the Fee) 

Under section (b) of the law, DHS may reimburse the Visa Integrity Fee if you: 

1. Obey all visa conditions (e.g., no unauthorized work), and 

1. Leave the U.S. within five days of your visa’s expiration—or you successfully extend or adjust your status. 

Although the statute uses “may,” that term often reflects formal drafting rather than true discretion. In practice, DHS will likely refund compliant travelers under established refund processes. 

If you meet the criteria, plan on submitting proof of departure or status change to the DHS consular office or U.S. embassy that issued your visa. 

What This Means for Canadian Permanent Residents 

If you live in Canada as a permanent resident but hold a passport from a visa‑required country—such as India, China, or the Philippines—you’ll likely need to pay the $250 fee when you apply for or renew your U.S. B‑1/B‑2 visa. By contrast, Canadian citizens and passport‑holders from ESTA‑eligible nations will likely skip this fee. 

Key Takeaways for Canadian PRs from Visa-Required Countries to the US 

Canadian permanent residents with non‑ESTA passports should budget for this cost for travel after October and prepare the documentation likely needed apply for a refund (if available). By understanding these rules now, you can avoid surprises at your next U.S. visa appointment. In short:  

• Plan ahead: Budget for the extra $250 when planning your trip. 

• Comply with requirements: Refunds will only be available to those who comply with their visa obligations. 

• Keep records: Save your visa stamp, I‑94 departure record, and any extension or adjustment approval. 
• Apply for refund promptly: While the refund process is yet to be outlined, be sure to apply promptly after you return.