U.S. Visa Regulations to Tighten "Starting This Week": Interview Requirements Expand on 9/2, New $250 Fee Introduced on 10/1 — Impact on Japanese Citizens and Summary of Measures

1. What is changing "from this week" (Overview)

• Significant Reduction in Interview Waivers (Effective 9/2)
  The U.S. Department of State will significantly narrow the scope of non-immigrant visa interview waivers starting from September 2, 2025, requiring in-person interviews for all applicants in principle. Exceptions include diplomatic and official visas (A/G/NATO/TECRO, etc.) and renewals of full-validity B1/B2 visas within 12 months of expiration, among a few others. Applicants under 14 and over 79 will also generally require interviews (waivers may be granted at consular discretion).travel.state.gov

• Tone of the Reports
  Major Brazilian media outlets describe the changes as "more expensive and more complicated starting this week." The background includes increased operational burdens due to the mandatory interviews and the impending introduction of the new $250 fee from 10/1.InfoMoneyUOL Noticias

2. "Additional Costs" to be Added Sequentially

• Visa Integrity Fee (Expected to Start from 10/1)
  The spending-related law enacted on July 4, 2025 (commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) will impose a Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250 on the "issuance" of all non-immigrant visas (Japanese short-term tourists under VWP who do not require visas are exempt). Although a refund system is provided for by law, the practical implementation is not yet developed, so it is reasonable to consider it as an "additional cost" for the time being. The start date is reported to be October 1.NAFSAKPMGReuters
  
  

• Revisions to ESTA, I-94, and EVUS (Effective 9/30)
  The CBP will revise the ESTA to $40 (previously $21), land I-94 to $6 + HR-1's $24 = $30, and EVUS to **$30** starting from September 30, 2025.Federal Register
  
  

• Existing MRV Fee
  The MRV fee for non-petition-based visas (B/F/M/J, etc.) remains at $185. The new $250 will be added at the time of issuance, so those whose visas are issued after 10/1 are expected to face an increased total burden.travel.state.govNAFSA

3. "Who Will Be Affected" for Japanese Nationals

• Short-term Travel for Tourism and Business (VWP/ESTA)
  Japan, as a visa waiver country, does not require a visa for short stays. The impact is limited to the ESTA $40 from 9/30 onwards (valid for 2 years). It is not subject to the Visa Integrity Fee.Federal RegisterNAFSA
  
  

• Study Abroad (F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2)
  Interviews are generally required from 9/2 onwards. If visas are issued after 10/1, **$250 will be added**. The SEVIS I-901 (for students) remains necessary (e.g., $350, separate from this legal amendment). Overall, the cost will be MRV $185 + SEVIS $350 + $250 = $785 (reciprocity fees are $0 for many categories between Japan and the U.S., but verification is needed).travel.state.govNAFSA
  
  

• Employment (H/L/O, etc.) & Accompanying Family
  Interviews are generally required. **$250 will be added** for issuances after 10/1. Various USCIS petition fees are separate (distinct from this CBP/State Department amendment), and the total burden is increasing.travel.state.govNAFSA
  
  

• Elderly and Children
  Applicants over 79 and under 14 will also generally be ineligible for interview waivers (limited exceptions exist). Pay attention to scheduling family appointments.travel.state.gov

4. Organized Chronologically: "When," "What," "How Much"

• 9/2 (Tuesday): Significant reduction in interview waivers. Almost everyone will require in-person interviews (limited exceptions exist). Be aware of increased congestion and waiting times.travel.state.gov

• 9/30 (Monday): ESTA $40, I-94 (land) total $30, EVUS $30.Federal Register

• 10/1 (Wednesday): Visa Integrity Fee $250 will begin to be added at the time of issuance of non-immigrant visas (according to reports and expert organizations).ReutersKPMG

※ The "$250" is designed to be collected at the time of issuance. Even if the application date is in September, if the issuance is after 10/1, it may be subject to the fee (final implementation depends on inter-agency coordination).NAFSA

5. Practical Impact: Reservations, Costs, Preparation

5-1. Reservations (Scheduling)

• Tightening of Interview Slots: With the reduction of waivers, waiting for interviews is expected to increase. Early account registration and monitoring of available slots are important.travel.state.gov

• Handling of DS-160: Each embassy and consulate is thoroughly guiding the presentation of valid DS-160 confirmation. Ensure accuracy in input details before reservation.br.usembassy.gov

5-2. Cost Estimation (Example)

• F-1 Student (Issued After 10/1): MRV $185 + SEVIS $350 + Visa