SOURCE:Jamaica Gleaner- The United States has delayed the start to the implementation of a US$250 visa surcharge despite the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump in July indicating an October 1 start date.
A spokesperson for the State Department said there is no confirmed implementation timeline. Once in effect, non-visa waiver countries, including Jamaica, will be required to pay the US$250 “visa integrity fee” in addition to the current US$185 visa application fee, bringing the total to US$435 per applicant.
The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for implementing and collecting the surcharge. According to the State Department, the fee supports immigration enforcement, deters visa overstays, and funds border security.
The surcharge is refundable if the visa holder complies with all visa terms and departs the US on time – specifically within five days of expiration or after legally adjusting status. However, no details have been provided on how to request or receive a refund, raising concerns that many travellers may never reclaim the fee.
For a Jamaican family of four visiting the US, the surcharge adds US$1,000 to visa costs – potentially discouraging travel for events like weddings, funerals, or vacations.
Critics argue that the surcharge penalises lawful visitors and may reduce travel from the Caribbean, affecting tourism and commerce. Immigration advocates call it a “security deposit” that disproportionately impacts low-income travellers.
In 2024, the US issued 83,957 B1/B2 visas (business/tourist) to Jamaicans. Though 2025 numbers aren’t available, some immigration attorneys do not believe the surcharge will stop most Jamaicans from applying.
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