US Visa Rules & Global Travel Updates for Indians | August 2025
8/5/2025

US Visa Rules 2025: Key Policy Changes Under Trump & What It Means for Indian Applicants
The new US visa policy 2025 marks one of the most significant overhauls in recent years. Under President Donald Trump’s immigration changes 2025, visa applicants—including tourists, students, workers, and couples—face tougher scrutiny, increased fees, and strict documentation rules.
At Global Visa Internationals, we help you navigate these changing regulations. From US tourist visa new rules to green card marriage policy updates, our expert team ensures you’re fully prepared.
🔒 Visa Bonds Up to $15,000 for "High-Risk" Countries
Under the US visa bonds 2025 policy, a new pilot program requires tourists and business visa applicants from certain countries with high visa overstay rates to submit a refundable bond between $5,000 and $15,000.
- Effective Date: August 20, 2025
- Initial Countries Targeted: Zambia, Malawi (more will follow)
- Objective: Prevent abuse of nonimmigrant visas through financial accountability.
📌 If you're unsure whether your country is listed, contact Global Visa Internationals for a free eligibility check.
💵 $250 Visa Integrity Fee for Non-Immigrant Visas
A major part of the visa changes USA 2025 is the introduction of the US visa integrity fee—a $250 security fee required from most non-immigrant visa holders.
- Effective Date: October 1, 2025 (Start of Fiscal Year 2026)
- Applies to:
- B1/B2 (tourist/business visas)
- F and M (students)
- H-1B (work visas for Indians)
- J (exchange programs)
- Exemptions: Diplomats (A & G categories), Canadians, and citizens of the Visa Waiver Program.
This fee is refundable only if the visitor leaves the U.S. on time or adjusts their status legally.➡️ Learn how to reduce your costs—speak to our consultants.
💍 New Green Card Marriage Rules by USCIS (2025)
If you're applying for a marriage-based green card, be aware of the new USCIS marriage green card rules 2025. These are designed to curb fraud and enforce legitimate immigration.
- Effective Date: August 1, 2025
Key Changes:
- Stronger documentation: Shared finances, photos, letters, co-habitation proof
- More mandatory in-person interviews (even for pending green card applications)
- Past petitions and immigration history will be thoroughly examined
- An approved petition does not prevent deportation if other grounds exist
Whether you're applying from India or already in the U.S., Global Visa Internationals provides end-to-end guidance on documents for green card marriage 2025 and green card interview questions 2025.
✅ Book a consultation to prepare your petition the right way.
🧾 New Visa-Related Charges in 2025
Thanks to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” several new US visa charges 2025 will be added on top of the standard fees:
- $24 I-94 fee for all non-immigrant visa holders
- $13 ESTA fee for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program
- $30 EVUS fee for Chinese citizens holding 10-year B1/B2 visas
Combined with the Visa Integrity Fee, this creates a heavy financial burden—especially on travelers from developing countries.
💡 Ask us about bundled packages to cover all US visa costs in 2025 and reduce surprises.
🗣️ Interview Waiver Rollback: In-Person Interviews Now Mandatory
As of September 2, 2025, the visa interview waiver India 2025 has largely been rolled back.
New Interview Requirements:
- Most non-immigrant visa categories now require in-person interviews
- Applies to children under 14 and seniors over 79 (previously exempt)
- Even if eligible for a waiver, consular officers can still require an interview
Few Remaining Exceptions Include:
- Diplomatic and official visa categories (A-1, G-1 to G-4, etc.)
- B1/B2 visa renewals within 12 months, if applicant was 18+ on prior visa
- No prior visa refusal or ineligibility
📝 Need help with your interview? Start your visa process with Global Visa Internationals.
🇮🇳 US Visa for Indians 2025: Total Cost & Impact
With the US visa fee hike 2025, Indian applicants will pay significantly more than before.
Visa Category | Old Cost | New Total (2025) |
---|---|---|
B-1/B-2 Visa | $185 (₹15,855) | Up to $472 (₹40,456) |
Cost Breakdown:
- $185 visa application fee
- $250 Visa Integrity Fee
- $24 I-94 fee
- $13 ESTA fee (if applicable)
For students, the cost of applying for an F-1 visa from India will also rise due to similar fee structures and interview mandates.
🎓 Planning to study abroad? Check student visa updates.
📌 Why This Matters to You
If you're:
- Applying for a US tourist visa from India
- Pursuing an H-1B visa under the new rules for Indians
- Going through a green card marriage interview
- Wondering how much a US visa costs in India 2025
Then you need expert guidance.
🚀 Work with Global Visa Internationals — Trusted Visa & Immigration Consultants
- ✅ 15+ years helping applicants navigate complex US immigration
- ✅ Special support for Indian parents, students, and married couples
- ✅ Full assistance with documents for US visa interview 2025
👉 Get Started Today!
📞 Call now for a free eligibility check
🌐 Explore our USA visa assistance services
Don't let policy changes stop your dreams—Global Visa Internationals is here to make your US visa journey simple, fast, and compliant.