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New U.S. Travel Fee
A new travel-related fee is coming soon for some travellers entering the United States.
What Is the New Fee?
The U.S. government has introduced a new “visa integrity fee” of $250 USD which is approximately $340 CAD for certain travellers. The U.S. government has taken this measure to better ensure that people comply to certain immigration protocols and that they adhere to the terms of their stay.
Who Will Be Affected?
Rest assured that most Canadians will not be required to pay the new fee. This is because almost all Canadian citizens are visa-exempt when entering the U.S. for short stays, such as for vacations, business trips, shopping and more. A rule of thumb is that as long as no visa is required, the new visa integrity fee does not apply.
Who Might Be Required to Pay?
The fee will only apply to certain Canadians who need a visa for more complex reasons such as investing or applying for a visa. If you are unsure if the new fee applies to you and your situation, or if you are applying for a U.S. visa, contact us at Canadim.
When Does the Fee Take Effect?
There is no official start date yet, but the fee is expected to take effect in late 2025. Once it is implemented the fee is not fixed and the amount may increase annually due to inflation. If you would like the fee to be reduced or waived due to your individual circumstances, unfortunately it is not possible as it is a mandatory fee.
Can You Get a Refund?
A refund may be granted under certain conditions. If your visa ends and you have followed absolutely all the visa rules, you will be eligible for a refund as the main purpose of this fee is to reinforce integrity within the immigration system. However, if you deviate from the visa rules and break any of them, you will not get a refund.
Stay Tuned
We are closely monitoring developments and will keep you updated as soon as the U.S. government announces an official start date for the fee. If you think this fee might apply to your situation or have questions about your visa options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Canadim for guidance.
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