US Plans $15,000 Visa Bond for High-Risk Applicants: Who Will Be Affected?

The U.S. Department of State is preparing to roll out a new visa policy that could require applicants from certain countries to pay a security bond of up to $15,000 when applying for business or tourist visas. The policy is designed to curb visa overstays and improve compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Visa Bonds to Target Countries with High Overstay Risk

According to preliminary details, the pilot program would allow U.S. consular officers to demand a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 from applicants deemed to pose a higher risk of overstaying their visas. The regulation specifically targets nationals from countries with historically high visa overstay rates or those with citizenship-by-investment programs, which have raised scrutiny in U.S. immigration reviews.

Purpose: Enforce Visa Compliance and Financial Responsibility

A statement from the State Department emphasizes that the core aim of the proposed rule is to ensure that visa applicants can meet their financial obligations while in the U.S. and to encourage compliance with their permitted stay.

“This initiative is designed to promote more secure and orderly immigration processes,” the department noted, highlighting national security and administrative efficiency.

Which Countries Will Be Affected?

The final list of countries affected by the bond requirement has not yet been disclosed, and more details are expected once the regulation is officially published. However, immigration experts anticipate the rule will primarily apply to countries with persistent overstay issues or economic migration concerns.