St. John's 31°C Overcast

Antigua News
Live
Antigua and Barbuda

Some Caribbean Nationals to Pay US$435 for Visa under Trump Bill

By

Published
U.S. Slashes 10-Year Visas for Antigua and Dominica to Just 3 Months
Some Caribbean Nationals to pay US$435 for visa

Recent changes to U.S. immigration law, following the approval of President Trump’s new bill, will lead to increased expenses for Caribbean nationals applying for visas, seeking asylum, or obtaining immigration relief.

A new $250 “visa integrity fee” has been introduced for all temporary visa applicants, in addition to the existing $185 application fee, affecting various visa categories, including tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas.

Families sponsoring relatives or assisting with the immigration process will encounter several new costs, such as $1,000 for asylum applications, $500 for Temporary Protected Status applications, and $550 for work permits, among others.

whatsapp-group-names-for-family-friends (1)

There are also annual fees while asylum applications are pending and substantial costs for adjusting residency status or applying for green cards in immigration court.

Work permits will now require renewal every six months, at a cost of $550, which increases the financial burden on those who depend on authorized employment.

Additionally, families with unaccompanied minors face significant initial and release fees and penalties for court appearance failures, which may discourage sponsorship and family reunification.

Overall, Caribbean nationals and their families in the U.S. should prepare for a more complex and costly immigration process moving forward.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/07/09/some-caribbean-nationals-to-pay-us435-for-visa-under-trump-bill. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.
Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (7)

  • Antigua Surf July 9, 2025, 10:21 AM

    Charging $1,000 for asylum applications places a monetary barrier on what should be a humanitarian process, especially impacting vulnerable migrants fleeing danger.
    Reply

    • Piky Head July 9, 2025, 11:30 AM

      But Antigua fees charged for our visa is unconventonal? Talking about hippocrits.
      Reply

  • Rhea July 9, 2025, 10:22 AM

    These policy shifts hit Caribbean immigrants hard, many of whom rely on temporary visas, family sponsorship, or asylum to build safe and stable lives in the U.S.
    Reply

  • Apex Jones July 9, 2025, 10:46 AM

    Hmmm I don’t want to say anything negative before they take back my visa
    Reply

  • Stay home July 9, 2025, 12:21 PM

    From the look and reading of things it is clear Me Donald Trump wants nothing to do with us in his country. Why bother and try to go there?
    Reply

  • Sheesh July 10, 2025, 2:19 PM

    The recent changes to U.S. immigration law reflect a troubling trend towards increased barriers and expenses for individuals seeking new opportunities in the country, particularly for Caribbean nationals. Yes. People like ah wi go suffer. The introduction of a new $250 “visa integrity fee” on top of existing application costs is a clear indication of how monetary hurdles can hinder access to the American dream. And I am beginning to think that is exactly what America is. A DREAM. Bcuz the reality is, it’s the most wicked place to ever live. But to go back sounding more professional and shyte…. By imposing such fees, the U.S. is not only making it more difficult for people to enter the country legally but also sending a message that it prioritizes financial gain over compassion and support for those in need. This approach undermines the values of inclusivity and diversity that the nation often claims to uphold. It’s disheartening to see policies that seem more focused on profit than on fostering a welcoming environment for immigrants, especially when so many come seeking safety and a chance for a better life.
    Reply

  • informed Citizen July 10, 2025, 5:47 PM

    What happened to the idea of America as a land of opportunity? These costs make the opportunity inaccessible to most Caribbean nationals.
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section

By clicking "Accept", you consent to our website's use of cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Cookie Settings

Privacy Summary

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best possible user experience. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our site or helping our team understand which parts of the site you find most interesting and useful.

More information in Privacy Policy