US Visa Integrity Fee: Guide for Filipino Travellers Effective October 2025

If you are planning to visit the United States, there is an important update that Filipino travellers should not miss. Beginning 1 October 2025, a new rule called the US Visa Integrity Fee will take effect. This new fee will affect most Filipinos applying for a non immigrant visa, whether you are visiting relatives, studying, or travelling for leisure.

Also read: Filipinos Flying to Guam for Divorce with Only 7 Day Residency

What is the US Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is an additional 250 US dollars, around 14,500 pesos, that applicants will need to pay when applying for a non immigrant visa to the United States. It applies to several common visa categories such as:

• ‌ B1 and B2 visas for business and tourism

• ‌ F visas for students

• ‌Temporary work visas

• ‌Other non immigrant visas where advance approval is required

Since the Philippines is not part of the United States Visa Waiver Programme, all Filipino citizens applying for non immigrant visas will be required to pay this new fee.

How Will the Fee Work?

The new Visa Integrity Fee will function in a very straightforward way.

• ‌ It must be paid by every applicant when submitting a visa application

• ‌It cannot be waived or reduced, regardless of personal circumstances

• ‌A refund may be possible once the visa expires, but only if the traveller followed all immigration rules during their stay in the United States. The process for this refund is not yet fully explained by US authorities

Also read: PH Travellers Safe from New US Visa Bond Rule

What This Means for Filipino Travellers

For Filipino travellers, this means a higher upfront cost when planning a trip to the United States. To give you an idea, here is the breakdown:

• ‌Current tourist or business visa application fee, 185 US dollars

• ‌New Visa Integrity Fee, 250 US dollars

• ‌Total initial cost, 435 US dollars or about 25,000 pesos

This amount does not include additional expenses such as the SEVIS fee for student applicants or the cost of travelling to Manila for the embassy interview.

Tips to Prepare Before Applying

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Here are some practical steps to help you manage the new requirements:

Budget wisely and prepare extra funds before you apply for a visa

Complete all documents properly to avoid rejection since the fee will not be refunded if your application is denied

Follow all visa rules carefully to keep open the chance of claiming a refund after your visa expires

Check official announcements regularly on the US Embassy Manila website and the US Department of State for updates on the refund process

Also read: US Visa Interview Waivers for Some Filipinos Narrow Starting September 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this replace the current visa fee?

No, the existing visa application fee of 185 US dollars still applies. The Visa Integrity Fee is an additional cost.

Does it apply to immigrant visas?

No, it only applies to non immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and temporary work visas.

Do Overseas Filipino Workers need to pay it?

Yes, if they are applying for a new non immigrant visa.

Why are some countries exempt?

Travellers from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Programme do not need to pay this fee. The Philippines is not part of this programme, which is why Filipino applicants are included.

Also read : First Time Flying Abroad: Essential Travel Guide for Filipinos

Final Thoughts

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The US Visa Integrity Fee is a major update that Filipino travellers must prepare for starting 1 October 2025. While it does increase the cost of getting a US visa, being informed helps you plan your trip better and avoid unexpected expenses.

If a trip to the United States is in your plans, make sure you save enough for the application process and stay updated on official guidelines. That way, you can focus on enjoying your American adventure once you finally set foot in the country.