Trump-era law imposes $250 fee for non-immigrant visa applicants
Trump-era law imposes $250 fee for non-immigrant visa applicants
Trump-era law imposes $250 fee for non-immigrant visa applicants
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read
Ghanaians applying for non-immigrant visas to the United States will soon be required to pay an additional $250 visa integrity fee, following the passage of a new immigration law under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
The law, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” was signed into law on July 4 and introduces stricter visa measures aimed at discouraging overstays and non-compliance among foreign nationals. According to Section 10007 of the Act, the new fee will apply to all individuals issued non-immigrant visas—including tourists, students, and temporary workers—and is mandatory and non-waivable.
However, applicants who adhere fully to the terms of their visas may be eligible for a refund. This includes individuals who either exit the U.S. within five days of their visa’s expiration or transition to lawful permanent resident status.
While the $250 charge is not yet being collected, U.S. authorities say it will be enforced during the country’s next fiscal year, beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025.
In addition to the new fee, the U.S. Department of State has revised its visa issuance policies for Ghana and several other countries. One of the most significant changes is a reduction in the validity of B1/B2 visas—which cover business and tourism travel—from five years multiple-entry to just three months single-entry.
Student visa holders (F-1), once allowed to stay for the duration of their studies, will now be issued single-entry visas valid for only three months, raising concerns among students and education stakeholders.
Officials say these changes stem from concerns about visa overstays. Recent U.S. government data shows that 1,910 out of 25,454 Ghanaian B1/B2 visa recipients overstayed their permitted stay, alongside 537 out of 2,559 student and exchange visitors.
Due to these concerns, Ghana has been listed among 36 countries being reviewed for possible inclusion in a new travel restriction policy. The criteria for potential restrictions include failure to cooperate on deportation efforts, high overstay rates, and perceived security risks.
Speaking to the media on June 26, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the U.S. government had officially communicated 12 conditions Ghana must fulfill to avoid being subjected to further restrictions or a ban. He emphasized that his ministry is actively engaging with U.S. officials to address the issues raised.
Meanwhile, a statement from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted claims that Ghana's own visa policies toward U.S. citizens triggered the changes. The Ministry clarified that U.S. passport holders remain eligible for up to five-year multiple-entry visas to Ghana and that the country has consistently maintained fair and reciprocal visa arrangements.
“The official statistics clearly demonstrate that contrary to false narratives, Ghana has issued, on average, an impressive 70.42% of multiple long-term visas to U.S. passport holders,” the statement noted.
The U.S. Embassy in Accra, responding to public anxiety over the changes, has assured Ghanaians that its doors remain open. In a post shared on June 17, the Embassy stated:“We remain committed to welcoming visitors from Ghana who wish to study, invest, or engage in business activities in the United States.”
However, the Embassy also warned that applicants must strictly comply with visa terms, stressing that any attempt to overstay, falsify documents, or work illegally would result in serious penalties.
As October approaches, Ghanaian travelers are urged to stay informed and ensure full compliance with all visa requirements to avoid disqualification or future entry bans.
