The visa bond requirement proposed by the U.S. State Department could change how applicants from high-risk countries apply for visas. The new policy aims to reduce visa overstays and ensure better accountability for visitors. The department will require a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the country of origin.
This proposal targets countries with high overstay rates and poor security controls over internal documents. A 12-month pilot program will begin soon. However, this new policy may make the visa application process unaffordable for many.
Alongside this measure, the Trump administration has introduced stricter visa application requirements. Last week, the State Department announced that visa renewals would now require in-person interviews. This is a change from the previous process, which didn’t need face-to-face interviews.
In addition, applicants for the Visa Diversity Lottery must now have a valid passport from their country of citizenship. The bond proposal aims to prevent overstays, but some argue it will create barriers for legitimate travelers.
The visa bond requirement will not apply to citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program. These countries allow citizens to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
The U.S. government has not specified if the bond will be refunded upon timely departure. Critics have raised concerns that the bond will increase the financial burden on those wanting to visit the U.S.
Despite the concerns, the visa bond requirement could play a key role in controlling immigration risks. Officials say they will monitor the program closely to evaluate its impact.
