Hmm, so it looks like no on really knows when it takes effect, the law itself specified a cost for the current fiscal year, but in addition to the usual time to implement the fee in the IT systems, there appear to be two issues: what rulemaking notices/approvals are needed to decide and impose it (the law allows the executive to decide the fee, it just sets a minimum), and the fact that DHS not State is supposed to collect it, which would greatly complicate processing.

State already has a global cashiering system for visa fees that would have been easier to use, although DHS collecting fees is not without precedent. For one, the SEVIS fee (a surcharge on student visas) is paid directly to DHS by credit card. For two, the surcharge on green cards is paid to USCIS, but this one is not actually enforced before visa issuance or arrival (they will not mail you the card if you don't pay, but you still have the status).

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/18/visa-integrity-fee-what-to-k...