U.S. Visa Bonds: New Measures to Tackle Overstays
The U.S. plans to introduce visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 in a new program targeting countries with high visa overstay rates. The initiative, effective August 20, is designed to reduce illegal immigration, aligning with efforts previously led by President Trump.
The United States is set to introduce a new pilot program, requiring bonds up to $15,000 for certain tourist and business visas. This initiative, starting in two weeks, is designed to minimize visa overstays, as outlined in a government notice released Monday.
According to the Federal Register notice, U.S. consular officers will have the discretion to impose these bonds on individuals from countries with high overstay rates or where vetting procedures are insufficient. A similar program was partially launched in November 2020 but was unsuccessful due to its timing amid the pandemic.
The new visa program will last for approximately a year, providing consular officers the discretion to demand bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. A $250 visa integrity fee has also been introduced effective October 1, targeting non-immigrant visa applicants, with potential reimbursement for those adhering to visa terms.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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