Canada and Friends Face New U.S. Visa Fees: What You Need to Know

As of September 30, 2025, travelers from Canada, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Jamaica will see new fees under the U.S. Visa Program. This change comes as the U.S. tightens its visa policies and aims to manage the growing number of visa applications. Let’s break down what this means for each country, especially for our Canadian neighbors.

Canada: A Mixed Bag for Travelers

Canadian citizens enjoy a relatively easy travel process to the U.S. They can visit for up to six months without needing a visa. However, starting in late 2025, if you’re crossing the border by land, you’ll need to pay a new fee for the Form I-94, which will jump from $6 to $30.

But here’s where it gets tricky: Canadian permanent residents, who aren’t citizens, must apply for a B-2 tourist visa. This involves a hefty fee of $185, plus a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250. So, if you’re a permanent resident, your total cost to visit the U.S. will be $435. That’s quite a leap!

Families in the Mix

Imagine a family where some members are Canadian citizens and others are permanent residents. The citizens can cross the border without a visa, while the permanent residents must navigate the visa application process. This could lead to confusion and extra planning for families looking to travel together.

Mexico: The Border Crossing Card Advantage

Mexican citizens have two options for entering the U.S.: the standard B-1/B-2 visa or the Border Crossing Card (BCC). The BCC is a more affordable option for those living near the border, costing $185 for adults and just $15 for kids under 15. However, starting in October 2025, all travelers from Mexico will face the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, bringing the total cost for adults to $435.

Chile: A Unique Position

Chile stands out as the only South American country in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means Chilean citizens can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, but they still need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA fee will rise from $21 to $40 in late 2025, but it’s still a much cheaper option than the visa fees faced by other countries.

Argentina and Brazil: Standard Visa Processes

Both Argentina and Brazil require travelers to apply for a B-2 tourist visa, which costs $185. With the new Visa Integrity Fee, the total will also reach $435 for both countries. While Argentina currently has no reciprocity fee, Brazil might introduce one soon, adding even more uncertainty for travelers.

Jamaica: Keeping It Simple

Jamaican citizens must also apply for a B-2 tourist visa, facing the same fees as their South American counterparts. The total cost will be $435 starting in late 2025, but there’s no reciprocity fee for Jamaicans at this time.

What’s Next?

As these changes roll out, travelers from these countries will need to plan ahead and budget for the increased costs. With the U.S. tightening its visa policies, how will this affect travel plans for families and individuals alike? Will we see more people opting for local vacations instead? Only time will tell!