New Visa Integrity Fee – Important Update and Implications for Penn

I’m writing to share an important update regarding the federal Visa Integrity Fee included in the FY25 Homeland Security appropriations bill, which passed the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on July 25, 2025. While implementation details are still forthcoming, the proposed changes carry significant implications for Penn’s international students, scholars, and employees.

What We Know So Far:

• The bill introduces a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for all non-immigrant visa applicants at the time of visa issuance.
• This applies to F, J, H, O, TN, and B categories, including both principal visa holders and dependents.
• The fee is in addition to existing visa application and SEVIS fees.

Implications for Penn:

1. Increased Financial Burden for International Students, Scholars, and Employees

• All non-immigrant visa holders including F, J, H, O, TN, and B categories will be subject to a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee at the time of visa issuance.
• The fee applies to both principal visa holders and their dependents, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to the cost of coming to Penn.
• This may deter prospective students, exchange visitors, and scholars from choosing Penn due to added financial hurdles.

2. Impact on International Recruitment and Enrollment

• The F and J visa categories, which apply to most Penn students, scholars, and exchange visitors, are directly affected.
• The additional costs may factor into students’ decisions when comparing U.S. institutions with more affordable international options.
• Yield rates for international admits may decline, especially from economically vulnerable regions.

3. Operational Planning and Communication

• Since implementation timing and reimbursement details are still unclear, Penn’s ISSS office and Global Support Services will need to:
  • Monitor updates from DHS and Klasko closely.
  • Prepare FAQs, info sessions, and advisories for incoming and continuing visa holders.
  • Communicate proactively with students, faculty, HR partners, and hiring departments.

4. Advising Complexity and Compliance Risk

• Penn ISSS advisors will face increased inquiries related to:
  • Fee applicability by visa type.
  • Potential reimbursement process.
  • What constitutes timely departure and authorized stay.
• Ensuring accurate and compliant guidance will require training and updated protocols.

5. Increased Demand for Legal Consultations

• Some visa holders and departments may seek immigration attorney guidance, particularly for reimbursement eligibility or compliance after program completion.
• The university may need to explore expanded access to legal resources (e.g., Klasko referrals, webinars, or consultations).

6. Budgeting and Sponsorship Considerations

• Penn units sponsoring international visitors (e.g., schools, departments, research centers) may need to reassess budgets to account for the new fees if they choose to cover them.
• For externally funded students or fellows, this new fee could raise questions about who bears the cost.

We are closely monitoring developments and will provide further guidance once details are confirmed by DHS. In the meantime, ISSS is working with Penn’s federal relations team and our legal partners at Klasko to assess the likely scope and timing of this policy.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or anticipate concerns from your units. We appreciate your continued partnership as we support our international community during this time of uncertainty and change.