"However, the option to be reimbursed is not likely to add much value for many tourists. "Under current law, many nonimmigrant visas are valid for several years; therefore, a large number of nonimmigrants would not be eligible to seek reimbursement until several years after paying the fee," says an analysis of the policy from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). "Thus, CBO expects that a small number of people would seek reimbursement.""
"The fee does not apply to tourists from countries who do not need a visa to enter the US. This includes citizens of countries that are part of the US visa waiver program, as well as most travelers from Canada and Bermuda. There are 42 countries and autonomous states that are part of the visa waiver program. That means their citizens will not have to pay the $250 fee if visiting the US for up to 90 days on visa-free tourism or business."
A $250 visa integrity fee will be charged in addition to existing visa fees, including reciprocity, anti-fraud, and machine-readable visa (MRV) application fees, with amounts varying by visa type. The fee will not be waivable or reducible. The government will reimburse visitors who fully comply with visa terms by departing promptly, extending nonimmigrant status, or adjusting to lawful permanent resident status. The Congressional Budget Office expects few reimbursements because many nonimmigrant visas remain valid for several years. The fee does not apply to visa-free travelers from the US Visa Waiver Program, most Canadians, and Bermuda residents. Implementation timing remains unclear.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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