The Department of Homeland Security has announced updated immigration fees for the financial year 2026.
These changes are part of a law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which requires visa-related fees to be adjusted every year based on inflation.
The US financial year runs from October 1 to September 30, and the new fees are already being applied in phases from January 2026.
Which Visa Fees Have Increased?
Several important immigration and travel-related fees have been revised for FY 2026.
Here are the updated charges:
Parole into the US: $1,020
CBP Form I-94 (land border entry): $30
ESTA authorization: $40.27
EVUS enrollment: $30.75
These fees are managed by agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Why Are Fees Increasing Every Year?
The fee hike is not random.
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the US government must adjust immigration fees annually based on inflation.
This is calculated using the Consumer Price Index.
The aim is to cover administrative costs and keep the immigration system running efficiently.
Understanding ESTA, EVUS, and I-94
If you’re planning to travel to the US, these systems are important:
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization):
Required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries before entering the US.
EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System):
Used mainly by Chinese nationals holding long-term (10-year) visitor visas.
Form I-94:
A digital record issued to foreign travelers entering the US.
Each of these now comes with updated or adjusted fees for 2026.
Big Change: Interview Waiver (Dropbox) Mostly Removed
There’s another major update travelers should know.
The US has largely ended the interview waiver policy (Dropbox) from September 2, 2025.
This means:
Most applicants must now attend in-person visa interviews
This includes students (F-1 visas) and temporary workers
This change could make the visa process longer and more detailed.
What This Means for Travelers
These updates may increase the overall cost and effort required to travel to the US.
Key Points:
Visa-related fees have gone up for FY 2026
Annual fee hikes will continue due to inflation rules
In-person interviews are now required for most applicants
Planning ahead is more important than ever
Before applying, always check the latest updates from official US government sources to avoid surprises.
