Aussies hit by new $385 US visa fee, ESTA price hike
The US$250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ takes effect later this year.
By David Flynn, July 23 2025
Australians heading to the USA will see a dramatic increase in the cost of applying for a visa, as well as the ESTA visa waiver, under President Trump’s controversial One Big Beautiful Bill.
From 1 October 2025, a new ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ of US$250 (AU$385) will apply to anyone who is not eligible for the ESTA visa waiver – a broad sweep impacting business travellers, skilled workers and students, who enter the USA on
- Tourism/Business visas for business meetings or holidays (categories B1/B2)
- Student and Exchange visas (categories F1, M1 and J1)
- Work visas (including categories H1B and L1)
This fee will sit on top of the cost of the visa itself, although the US government has indicated it could be refunded when the traveller leaves the country.
The US Customs and Border Protection service says some 291,000 Australians entered the country on visas in 2024, while just over 1 million ESTA visa waivers were issued to Australians.
Those ESTA visa waivers are also set to double from US$21 (AU$33) to US$40 (AU$60).
Typically approved within hours, an ESTA remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing for multiple trips within that period.
Also read: Aussie travellers get Global Entry fast-track at US airports
