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Travelers to the US face new $250 visa fee
New US visa integrity fee of $250 introduced for travellers amid concerns over implementation and increased costs
New US visa integrity fee of $250 introduced for travellers amid concerns over implementation and increased costs
– A new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ will apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants in the U.S.
– The fee could deter tourists and international students due to increased costs and budget concerns.
Visitors to the United States will soon face a new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ as mandated by the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This fee applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants, including tourists, business travellers, and international students, and cannot be waived. There are possibilities for reimbursement, contingent on visa compliance.
The fee will be applicable during the U.S. fiscal year 2025 and is subject to inflation adjustments thereafter. It must be paid in addition to existing fees, bringing total costs significantly higher for many visa applicants. Implementation details are unclear, including the process for fee collection and reimbursement, which may take years to establish.
Impact Expected
The new fee could deter B visa holders and international students over budget concerns, particularly as the U.S. prepares for major events in 2026. Furthermore, funding cuts to Brand USA, the organisation responsible for promoting U.S. travel, jeopardise inbound tourism efforts. The U.S. Travel Association indicates additional fees complicate the travel process.
News
Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending
Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.
Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.
Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.
Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.
Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.
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Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.
The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.
Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.
Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.
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#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy
News
Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions
Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.
Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.
Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.
The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.
#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy
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