Tens of millions of vacationers to the U.S. could possibly be charged a brand new $250
Many vacationers to the U.S. at the moment are topic to a brand new $250 “visa integrity payment,” a part of the tax cuts and spending legislation signed by President Trump on July 4.
The payment is efficient within the present federal fiscal 12 months, which started on Oct. 1, 2024, and ends on Sept. 30, 2025, in accordance with the textual content of the One Massive Stunning Invoice Act. For subsequent years, the quantity will probably be adjusted for inflation, the legislation states.
The payment applies to guests who come to the U.S. on nonimmigrant visas, resembling international college students attending American universities or employees who obtain short-term work visas resembling the H-1B, which is commonly utilized by tech firms to rent international engineers or different expert employees.
In 2023, the U.S. issued greater than 10 million nonimmigrant visas, in accordance with knowledge from the U.S. State Division.
Visa holders subjected to the payment might later be reimbursed so long as they adjust to their visa’s restrictions, resembling leaving the U.S. inside 5 days of the visa’s expiration, in accordance with the brand new legislation. Nonetheless, the legislation would not specify how visa holders might apply for reimbursement of the payment, nor how the payment will probably be collected.
“The visa integrity payment requires cross-agency coordination earlier than implementation,” a spokesperson for the Division of Homeland Safety instructed CBS MoneyWatch in an electronic mail. “President Trump’s One Massive Stunning Invoice offers the mandatory insurance policies and sources to revive integrity in our nation’s immigration system,” it added.
On condition that payment is not but set as much as be collected, it is unclear whether or not the visa integrity payment will probably be retroactive. The Division of Homeland Safety did not instantly reply to a query about whether or not the payment can be collected retroactively.
Payment for asylum seekers
The brand new payment will add to the hurdles dealing with immigrants, in accordance with the American Immigration Council, a nonpartisan suppose tank targeted on immigration points. It famous the brand new invoice additionally contains further new expenses, together with a brand new $100 payment for folks making use of for asylum.
“These charges, lots of that are licensed to be layered on prime of present charges, are largely necessary, successfully placing authorized pathways out of attain for hundreds of individuals,” the group stated in a July 14 assertion.
For example, scholar visa candidates already should pay an $185 software payment and a $350 payment for the Pupil and Trade Customer Program. The extra $250 payment will deliver their whole value to $785.
Individuals searching for asylum within the U.S., who beforehand may apply for that designation without cost, may face whole submitting charges of greater than $1,150 beneath the brand new legislation, in accordance with the American Immigration Council.
Many vacationers to the U.S. do not require visas as a result of Visa Waiver Program, which permits residents of greater than 40 nations — starting from Australia to the U.Okay. — to enter the U.S. for fewer than 90 days with out a visa.
