The State Department proposed a pilot program requiring applicants for business and tourist visas from certain countries to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. This program targets countries with high overstay rates and weak security controls. The initiative aims to mitigate financial liability for the U.S. if visa terms are violated. In addition, recent changes include mandatory in-person interviews for many visa renewals and validity requirements for passports in the Visa Diversity Lottery program. The bond may be waived depending on individual circumstances and does not apply to Visa Waiver Program citizens.
The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, potentially making the process unaffordable for many.
The pilot program targets individuals from countries with high overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls, imposing bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
Visa renewal applicants will now need to submit to an additional in-person interview, which was not required previously.
The bond may be waived based on an applicant's individual circumstances, and will not apply to citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program.
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