US Visa Travel Updates 2026: Check New Immigration Fees, Interview Rules And Changes

New Visa Travel Updates in US for International Students

We have mentioned below the new US travel updates in 2026 including new immigration fees, interview rules, and many changes. Check these headings for clarity if you are planning to study in USA for international studies:

New “Visa Integrity Fee”

A new federal law (the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, HR 1) introduced a Visa Integrity Fee, which is currently set at $250 plus new I-94 and other surcharge rules that add on top of existing application fees. That means the out-of-pocket cost for a non-immigrant visa (including F-1 student visas) can jump dramatically compared with pre-2025 totals. If you’re planning to study in US, it is crucial for international students to budget for tuition fees and living costs. You must add these extra government charges to your checklist.

New H-1B visa fees hike of $100,000

For employers sponsoring new H-1B petitions, a one-time, steep levy was introduced in 2025. That change has led to questionable job hiring of foreign graduates. It may indirectly influence international students’ long-term job prospects after graduation. If you’re aiming for OPT, and then H-1B in 2026-27, expect intense competition or employer pushback. Plan for backup options, including internships, CPT, and remote-first roles.

Changes in US Interview rules

The State Department narrowed interview-waiver eligibility and reversed many pandemic-era “Dropbox” conveniences. Most non-immigrant renewals and many first-time applicants (including many F, M and H category applicants) now face mandatory in-person interviews. So, international students must go for an in-person interview to obtain a study visa for US. Plus, immigrant interviews will be scheduled in the consular district tied to your place of residence (or nationality upon request). So “consular shopping” is effectively gone. You must never assume that you will skip the interview. You must prepare for the interview and book the tickets accordingly.

Work permission (EAD) fees changed

USCIS updated filing fees for Employment Authorisation (Form I-765). Filing costs rose and certain categories that once were fee-exempt (e.g., some asylum-related groups) may now face charges. It means that your timeline to paid work after arrival could be impacted by both time and cost. If you plan on OPT or on-campus jobs, factor the updated EAD fees and possible delays into your cash flow plan.

Travel Tips for Indian Students Applying for Studies in US

Here are some of the tips and tricks for Indian students who are planning to study in US in 2026:

• Budget must include contingency: Along with tuition fees and living expenses in US, the financial budget must also include $250 (Visa Integrity Fee) and possible I-94 / ESTA changes to your visa budget. Early planning is crucial.

• Book interview slots early: Consulates now require more in-person interviews; slot availability can be limited, so check local US Embassy/Consulate calendars.

• Gather documents carefully: You must bring original financials, acceptance letters, and proof of intent-to-return (if applicable). Interviewers are stricter; weak documents mean denials.

• H1B Uncertainty: If you plan to work after graduation from US universities and colleges, ask prospective employers whether they will absorb new H-1B petition fees; some will not.

Also Read

US Visa Travel Updates 2026: What this means for Indian students

Indian applicants face tougher economics and process friction in 2026. It means they can expect higher per-application costs, fewer interview waivers, and a chill in employer sponsorship for new H-1Bs. It does not exactly mean the career opportunities pathway is closed for Indian students after graduation from US universities. However, it means apply earlier, budget higher, and lock internships now. Universities with robust career services and CPT/Co-op programs become more valuable than ever.

Immigration policies in US under Trump administration have moved fast since mid-2025, and some rules will change again. Official US government pages (Travel.State.Gov, USCIS) publish the latest fee and interview guidance for international students and other prospects. You are always advised to consult them before you pay or book travel. Use university international-student offices for verified, campus-specific advice.

Conclusion

If you are planning to study in USA in 2026-27, the budget for higher education is now a little pricier with imposed restrictions. However, if you are still looking to study in US, you can go for it with early budgeting, careful paperwork and realistic backup plans. You must start as soon as possible amid the increased visa fees, interview unavailability, and increased H1B visa fees for employers, shrinking the career opportunities for international students.