$250 Visa Integrity Fee and Up to $15,000 Bond: New U.S. Entry Costs in 2025

Two separate federal policies are about to reshape the price of entering the United States. On August 20, 2025, the U.S. State Department launched a one-year Visa Bond Pilot Program that obliges certain B-1/B-2 visitor-visa applicants to post refundable bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. Less than six weeks later—starting October 1, 2025—a “visa integrity fee” of $250 will apply to most non-immigrant visa seekers.

More than 150 federal agents and possible National Guard troops could descend on Chicago as early as Friday—local leaders promise to “hold the line.” 

Chicago, IL — Talk of a rapid federal deployment is sweeping the Windy City. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Homeland Security agents and National Guard units may be “assembled, ready to go” by Friday, with expanded ICE operations beginning Saturday. For anyone flying into O’Hare, rolling down Lakeshore Drive, or checking into a downtown hotel, the big question is simple: how will this shake-up affect my trip?