Published on
December 14, 2025
France and Italy join Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, UK, Germany, and other European countries in facing a significant hike in U.S. travel visa charges as the government raises visa application fees starting next year. These increases, which affect a range of visa categories including work, student, and tourist visas, will make the U.S. a more expensive destination for travelers from Europe. The introduction of the new $25 Visa Integrity Fee, along with rises in fees for popular visas like the B-1/B-2 and F-1, will contribute to the financial burden. As a result, travelers from these European countries may face higher costs and potential delays in obtaining their U.S. visas, which could impact the volume of visa applications and overall travel demand. This change is significant for anyone planning to visit or immigrate to the U.S. from Europe in the coming year.
United Kingdom: Impact of Rising U.S. Immigration and Travel Fees
The United Kingdom, one of the U.S.’s top international partners, is expected to see a significant increase in U.S. visa application fees. With many UK nationals frequently applying for work visas, student visas, and ESTA authorizations, the new fee structure, including increases for popular visas like the B-1/B-2 and F-1, could make the U.S. a more expensive destination. The introduction of the $25 Visa Integrity Fee will further contribute to the overall financial burden for UK travelers. These fee hikes may prompt some individuals and businesses to reconsider their U.S. plans, potentially leading to a decrease in visa applications and travel demand from the UK.
Germany: Increased Costs for U.S. Work, Student, and Tourist Visas
Germany, known for its strong economic and educational ties with the U.S., will face rising visa costs as the new fee increases take effect. Many German citizens rely on U.S. work visas, such as the H-1B, and student visas like the F-1. The added fees, including the new Visa Integrity Fee, could deter some German nationals from applying for U.S. visas. The U.S. remains a popular destination for both business and academic purposes, but the higher costs may lead to a slight decline in applications, particularly among students and professionals looking to advance their careers or pursue higher education in the U.S.
France: Financial Impact of U.S. Visa Fee Increases
France, with its large number of students, professionals, and tourists visiting the U.S., will experience the effects of the upcoming visa fee increases. The cost for popular visa categories like the B-1/B-2, F-1, and H-1B will rise, along with the new $25 Visa Integrity Fee. French nationals traveling for business, education, or leisure may face higher costs, potentially influencing their decision to apply for a U.S. visa. While the U.S. is a well-established destination for French citizens, these higher fees could discourage some from traveling, especially among students and young professionals seeking opportunities in the U.S.
Italy: Rising Costs for U.S. Travel and Work Visas
Italy, known for its close business, educational, and tourism ties to the U.S., will see a sharp rise in the costs of various visa applications. Italians applying for work visas like the H-1B or student visas such as the F-1 will face increased fees, as well as the new Visa Integrity Fee. These changes may discourage some Italians from applying for U.S. visas, especially those seeking opportunities in higher education or employment. Although Italy remains a significant contributor to U.S. tourism, the higher visa costs may lead to a decrease in travel demand, particularly among those seeking long-term stays.
Spain: Higher Visa Costs and Impact on U.S. Travel
Spain, a key partner for U.S. tourism, business, and education, will feel the financial impact of rising visa fees. The cost for popular visas, including B-1/B-2 and F-1, along with the introduction of the $25 Visa Integrity Fee, will increase the overall cost of U.S. travel for Spanish citizens. As Spain has a growing number of students and workers applying for U.S. visas, the fee hikes could discourage some applicants, particularly those with limited financial resources. The U.S. remains an attractive destination for Spanish nationals, but the increase in visa costs may cause a slowdown in applications, especially for long-term or non-tourist purposes.
Sweden: Increased U.S. Visa Costs and Potential Delays
Sweden, with its strong connections to the U.S. in business, education, and tourism, will experience rising visa application fees starting January 2026. Swedish applicants for work visas like the H-1B, student visas like the F-1, and ESTA authorization will face higher costs, including the newly introduced $25 Visa Integrity Fee. While Sweden typically sees a high rate of approved U.S. visa applications, the increased costs may deter some Swedish nationals from applying, particularly those looking to study or work in the U.S. The fee increases may also lead to longer processing times, impacting both short-term travelers and long-term applicants.
Netherlands: Rising Visa Costs and Impact on U.S. Travel
The Netherlands, with its strong ties to the U.S. in business, education, and tourism, will see a significant rise in visa application fees. Dutch citizens, who often apply for work visas like the H-1B, student visas like the F-1, and ESTA authorizations, will face increased costs starting January 2026. The introduction of the $25 Visa Integrity Fee will further add to the financial burden for Dutch travelers. While the U.S. remains a top destination for business professionals, students, and tourists from the Netherlands, these rising fees could lead to a decrease in applications, particularly among those seeking long-term opportunities in the U.S.
Rising Fees for US Immigration and Travel Applications Effective January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and various Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components, such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will implement annual fee increases for several immigration-related services. These increases are part of an inflation adjustment process based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the fiscal year from July 2024 to July 2025. Applicants for forms like the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) should be aware of the changes to avoid delays. Some fees, like the ESTA authorization, will see minimal increases, while others, such as Parole and TPS-related applications, will experience a modest rise. It’s important to note that forms submitted with incorrect or insufficient fees after January 1, 2026, will likely be rejected, causing delays in processing. Applicants wishing to avoid these increases should consider submitting their applications before December 31, 2025.
| Form Type | Previous Fee | New Fee (Effective Jan 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-765 (Initial EAD for Asylum, Parole, or TPS) | $550 | $560 |
| Form I-765 (EAD Renewal/Extension for Parole or TPS) | $275 | $280 |
| Form I-821 (Application for TPS) | $500 | $510 |
| Parole into the United States (HR-1 Fee) | $1,000 | $1,020 |
| ESTA Authorization (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) | $40 | $40.27 |
| EVUS Enrollment (Electronic Visa Update System) | $30 | $30.75 |
| Annual Asylum Application Fee | $100 | $102 |
France and Italy join Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, UK, Germany, and other European countries in facing a significant hike in U.S. travel visa charges as the government raises visa application fees starting next year.
Conclusion
France and Italy, along with Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, the UK, Germany, and other European countries, will face a significant hike in U.S. travel visa charges as the government raises visa application fees starting next year. This increase in fees, including the new $25 Visa Integrity Fee, will make the U.S. a more expensive destination for travelers from these nations. As a result, many individuals and businesses may reconsider their travel or immigration plans, potentially leading to a decline in visa applications from Europe. It’s important for travelers to be aware of these changes and plan accordingly to avoid delays and additional costs.
