Ghanaians applying for U.S. non-immigrant visas will now be required to pay an additional $250 as part of a newly introduced visa integrity surcharge by the United States government.
The fee applies to various categories including tourist, student, exchange, and work visas, pushing the total application cost closer to $500, excluding other related expenses like travel, documentation, and medical examinations.
The charge falls under Section 10007 of a broader U.S. immigration reform law and is non-waivable and non-reducible under any circumstance.
According to a report by Independent.co.uk, the fee applies to all nationals of countries not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, including Ghana.
It will not affect travelers using ESTA, a program mainly available to citizens of countries like the UK, Japan, and Australia. In addition to the $250 surcharge, the U.S. has also increased the Form I-94 tracking fee from $6 to $24, further raising the financial burden on applicants.
A refund of the surcharge is only possible if the visa holder complies fully with immigration rules, such as timely departure or lawful permanent residency.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the systems to collect the new surcharge are not yet operational, but the fee will be enforced within the current fiscal year and reviewed annually for inflation.
The surcharge adds to an already expensive process for many Ghanaians, most of whom receive single-entry three-month visas and must reapply — and repay — if they wish to return.
