Major U.S. Visa Policy Changes Take Effect October 2025
The United States has implemented sweeping visa policy changes affecting millions of international travelers starting October 1, 2025. The most significant updates include nearly doubled travel authorization fees, elimination of interview waivers for most nonimmigrant visa applicants, and new charges for previously free services. These changes stem from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed in July 2025 and represent the most comprehensive overhaul of U.S. visa policies in recent years.
The new visa requirements and fee increases will impact travelers from 41 Visa Waiver Program countries, Chinese nationals with B-1/B-2 visas, land border crossers, and nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants seeking to renew their visas. Understanding these changes is critical for anyone planning to travel to the United States in the coming months.
Key Fee Increases Effective September 30 - October 1, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented three major fee increases that took effect on September 30, 2025:
- ESTA Fee: Increased from $21 to $40 (90% increase) for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries including EU nations, Australia, Japan, and South Korea
- EVUS Fee: New $30 charge for Chinese nationals with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas (previously free since 2016)
- I-94 Land Border Fee: Jumped from $6 to $30 (400% increase) for travelers entering by land from Canada or Mexico
- Annual Inflation Adjustments: All three fees will increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index starting in fiscal year 2026
These fee increases are mandatory and cannot be waived or reduced under the new legislation. Travelers who submitted applications before September 30, 2025, were charged the lower rates, and those approvals remain valid for their full duration (ESTA approvals last two years).
Who Is Affected by the New Visa Policy Changes
The October 2025 visa policy changes impact multiple categories of international travelers, each facing different requirements and costs.
For Visa Waiver Program Travelers
Citizens of 41 countries including most EU member states, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and South Korea must now pay $40 for ESTA instead of $21. The fee breakdown includes a $10 processing charge, $17 travel promotion fee, and $13 Treasury General Fund charge. However, since ESTA approvals remain valid for two years, travelers can lock in multiple trips with one application.
For Chinese Nationals with B-1/B-2 Visas
Travelers with People's Republic of China passports holding maximum validity 10-year B-1/B-2, B-1, or B-2 visas now must pay $30 per EVUS enrollment. Previously offered free since November 2016, this Electronic Visa Update System enrollment is required before each trip to the United States. This change adds significant costs for frequent travelers between China and the U.S.
For Land Border Crossers from Canada and Mexico
International visitors entering the United States by land from Canada or Mexico who require Form I-94 now face a $30 fee instead of $6. This 400% increase represents the steepest percentage hike among all the new visa-related fees. Air and sea arrivals are not subject to this fee as they do not require I-94 application submission.
How to Navigate the New Visa Interview Requirements
Starting September 2, 2025, the State Department eliminated most interview waivers, requiring in-person appointments for nearly all applicants:
- Schedule Your Interview Early: Expect significantly longer wait times at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide due to increased interview volumes
- Check Your Eligibility for Limited Exceptions: Only diplomatic visas (A-1, A-2, G-series, NATO), Mexican Border Crossing Cards renewed within 12 months, and B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months may qualify for waivers at consular discretion
- Prepare for All Ages: The previous exemptions for applicants under 14 and over 79 have been eliminated—everyone must attend in-person interviews regardless of age
- Apply in Your Home Country: As of September 6, 2025, visa applications must be filed in your country of residence or nationality, with limited third-country exceptions
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements before your interview to avoid delays or rejections
Important Dates and Timeline for Visa Policy Changes
Mark these critical dates to understand when each visa policy change took effect:
- July 4, 2025: President signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" authorizing new immigration fees and policy changes
- September 2, 2025: Interview waivers eliminated for most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including age-based exemptions
- September 6, 2025: New rule requiring visa applications in country of residence or nationality takes effect
- September 30, 2025: ESTA fee increased to $40, EVUS fee of $30 implemented, I-94 land border fee raised to $30
- October 1, 2025: Fiscal year 2026 begins with new annual visa quota limits and fee structures
- October 2, 2025: Streamlined filing process for temporary agricultural worker petitions takes effect
- FY 2026 and Beyond: Annual fee adjustments based on Consumer Price Index inflation rates
Frequently Asked Questions About October 2025 Visa Changes
Can I Still Get a Visa Interview Waiver for My Renewal?
Interview waivers are now extremely limited as of September 2, 2025. Most H, L, F, M, J, and O-1 visa renewals now require in-person interviews, even if you're renewing the same visa type. Only B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months of expiration, Mexican Border Crossing Cards, and certain diplomatic visas may qualify for waivers at the consular officer's discretion. Plan for significantly longer processing times and schedule your interview appointment well in advance of your travel dates.
Why Did the ESTA Fee Nearly Double to $40?
The ESTA fee increase from $21 to $40 was mandated by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" passed by Congress in July 2025. The new fee structure includes a $10 processing charge (up from $4), a $17 travel promotion fee (unchanged), and a new $13 Treasury General Fund charge. This represents approximately a 90% increase. However, ESTA approvals remain valid for two years, so applying now locks in the rate for multiple trips until your authorization expires.
Do I Have to Pay the New EVUS Fee Every Time I Travel?
Yes, Chinese nationals with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas must now pay $30 for each EVUS enrollment, and enrollments are typically required every two years or when you get a new passport. Previously, EVUS enrollment was completely free since its inception in November 2016. Frequent travelers between China and the United States should budget for this new recurring cost, which will also increase annually with inflation starting in fiscal year 2026.
What International Travelers Need to Know Moving Forward
The October 2025 visa policy changes represent the most significant shift in U.S. immigration procedures in years, requiring travelers to budget more for travel authorization fees and plan further ahead for mandatory interview appointments. The elimination of interview waivers will create backlogs at embassies worldwide, so early planning is essential for anyone with upcoming U.S. travel.
Before your visa interview, ensure your passport photo meets requirements for your specific visa type and country. Using professional services like VisaPics can help ensure your application photos comply with all official specifications, preventing costly delays or rejections. Visit our comprehensive visa photo specifications database covering 172 countries and over 952 document types to ensure your documentation is perfect before your interview appointment.
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