Kind of a serious question for my friends in the GWN or any one that knows

[skeets]

This morning I was chatting with a friend from the GWN, yes I do have a friend. And was told that their vacation for the fall visit was not going to happen. Because they read, heard, what ever that they were going to need a 250 dollar visitor visa to cross the border even with valid passports. I don't want this to get political, just trying to get the whole skinny on this. If any one knows for sure, let me know.

 

[John T]

If you are talking about Canada.... They are wrong.

USA citizens do NOT need a Visa to enter Canada. Just an up to date passport.
This is good for a MAXIMUM stay of 6 months.

 

[tthorkil]

This morning I was chatting with a friend from the GWN, yes I do have a friend. And was told that their vacation for the fall visit was going to happen. Because they read, heard, what ever that they were going to need a 250 dollar visitor visa to cross the border even with valid passports. I don't want this to get political, just trying to get the whole skinny on this. If any one knows for sure, let me know.

new $250 fee on travelers to the U.S.

 

[Dustball]

new $250 fee on travelers to the U.S.

Doesn't apply to Canadians who are simply looking to visit the US, only those who need non-immigrant visas.

Besides, that's going to take a long while to actually implement.

From a travel blogger-

The bill calls for the introduction of a new $250 “visa integrity fee,” which is supposed to apply to all visitors who come to the United States on non-immigrant visas, so that includes tourists, international students, and business travelers. In 2023, the United States issued more than 10 million of these visas, just for context.


According to the text of the bill, the fee is effective the current federal fiscal year, which actually ends in a couple of months — it runs October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. For subsequent years, the amount of the fee can be adjusted based on inflation. That “visa integrity fee” is in addition to all the other types of fees that already exist for those applying for a visa.


So, what is this new “visa integrity fee?” The idea is that the fee is essentially a “deposit,” of sorts, to make sure you behave while you’re in the United States. Visa holders who are subject to the fee may later be reimbursed, as long as they comply with their visa’s restrictions, like leaving the United States before the visa expires, and not working without authorization.


However, the law doesn’t specify how the fee will be collected, or how travelers will be reimbursed if they comply with restrictions. It’s also not clear if this will apply retroactively, or what, since this supposedly applies for the current fiscal year. A government spokesperson has simply stated that “the visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation.”

 

[skeets]

Doesn't apply to Canadians who are simply looking to visit the US, only those who need non-immigrant visas.

Besides, that's going to take a long while to actually implement.

From a travel blogger-

The bill calls for the introduction of a new $250 “visa integrity fee,” which is supposed to apply to all visitors who come to the United States on non-immigrant visas, so that includes tourists, international students, and business travelers. In 2023, the United States issued more than 10 million of these visas, just for context.


According to the text of the bill, the fee is effective the current federal fiscal year, which actually ends in a couple of months — it runs October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. For subsequent years, the amount of the fee can be adjusted based on inflation. That “visa integrity fee” is in addition to all the other types of fees that already exist for those applying for a visa.


So, what is this new “visa integrity fee?” The idea is that the fee is essentially a “deposit,” of sorts, to make sure you behave while you’re in the United States. Visa holders who are subject to the fee may later be reimbursed, as long as they comply with their visa’s restrictions, like leaving the United States before the visa expires, and not working without authorization.


However, the law doesn’t specify how the fee will be collected, or how travelers will be reimbursed if they comply with restrictions. It’s also not clear if this will apply retroactively, or what, since this supposedly applies for the current fiscal year. A government spokesperson has simply stated that “the visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation.”

So lets see if I have this right, they come down to vist, just pass ports are all they need, however coming to work or school a visa, is that correct ?

 

[Scm]

However, the law doesn’t specify how the fee will be collected, or how travelers will be reimbursed if they comply with restrictions. It’s also not clear if this will apply retroactively, or what, since this supposedly applies for the current fiscal year. A government spokesperson has simply stated that “the visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation.”

 

[William1]

And... if you comply with the terms of your visa, it gets refunded.
A visitor coming for a few weeks does not need a visa. Come to stay a long time, work, you need one.

 

[Dustball]

So lets see if I have this right, they come down to vist, just pass ports are all they need, however coming to work or school a visa, is that correct ?

List of who's visiting from Canada that would need a non-immigrant visa-

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

travel.state.gov

Guide for Canadian residents intending to visit the US-

Travel advice and advisories for United States (USA)

Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada

travel.gc.ca

For a common visit, a passport is all that is needed.

 

[Bee-Positive]

The fee of $250 covers a period of 7 years. The refund is available AFTER the 7 year period is up. Currently only 1% - 2% apply to get the refund. It's a scam by any definition.

 

[Dustball]

Currently only 1% - 2% apply to get the refund.

How are you getting this number? The fee hasn't been implemented yet.

 

[skeets]

Thanks guys

 

[Bee-Positive]

How are you getting this number? The fee hasn't been implemented yet.

I apologize for the misstatement, it was way past my bed time. See below.

First some clarification as to who needs one.

Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. The type of nonimmigrant visa needed is defined by immigration law, and related to the purpose of the travel.
U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection

So the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the new fee could cut the federal deficit by $28.9 billion over the next ten years. $2.89 billion in income every year.

However the new fee is refundable. Theoretically if everyone follows the rules all the revenue generated by the fees would be refunded. Maybe there is some earned interest that can be kept but $2.89 billion a year is unlikely.

WHAT IF the number of nonimmigrant visitors who overstay their visas is really high? Well historical U.S. Congressional Research Service data indicates that only 1% to 2% of nonimmigrant visitors overstayed their visas between 2016 and 2022 (this is where I mixed my numbers, and I apologize). But 1% to 2% is still not getting us to $2.89 billion annually.

Reimbursements will be made after the travel visa expires, the provision said. Any fees not reimbursed will be deposited into the General Fund of the Government. The CBO expects a “small number” of people will seek reimbursement, as many nonimmigrant visas are valid for several years. And there’s a $24 (was $6) fee just to file the form for a refund.

CBO also expects the Department of State would need several years to implement a process for providing reimbursements.

So there it is.
Making the process costly and difficult, combined with “Government Efficiency” (oxymoron) travelers won’t even bother to get a refunded or will forget altogether is now a method for cutting the federal deficit and reducing an imaginary number of nonimmigrant visitors who overstay their visas. It just doesn’t add up.

Ultimately it makes it harder to come to the USA and spend money thus boosting local US economies. The same way I would spend money, eating, drinking, shopping, traveling, while overseas.

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

Can Canadians pay in bacon?

 

[fried1765]

Can Canadians pay in bacon?

Loonies only!

 

[Scm]

Can Canadians pay in bacon?

Maple Syrup