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U.S. Introduces Visa Bond Pilot: Up to $15,000 Deposit for Visitors from High-Risk Countries

Prime Highlights

  • US introduces 12-month visa bond pilot with refundable fees up to $15,000 for selected B-1/B-2 applicants.
  • Program initially tested in Malawi and Zambia but to be rolled out to other high-risk nations.

Key Facts

  • Bond fees to be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 based on risk rating.
  • Refundable in full if visitors adhere to terms of visa and leave within time period of stay.

Key Background

The U.S. Department of State will launch a Visa Bond Pilot Program on August 20, 2025, and will implement it for 12 months. The pilot program is designed to deter B-1 business and B-2 tourism visitors from high-overstay or low-screening nations from overstaying. The measure renews a proposal introduced under the previous administration but delayed because of pandemic-related hitches.

The scheme would initially be limited to Malawian and Zambian nationals. They would need to pay a returnable bond of $5,000 to $15,000, the average being $10,000. This would be levied on a case-by-case basis by American consular officers on the basis of factors such as purpose of visit, history of overstaying in the US, and wealth.

The pilot for this initiative will entail visas limited to single entry travel within three months from date of issue, typically for 30-day stay. Entrances and exits are to be made through specified airports to enable closer monitoring for compliance. Non-adherence to visa conditions—overstay or status breach—will incur bond forfeiture. Refunds will be complete in the event of on-time departure or successful change of status.

This step is joined by other measures, including a $250 October 2025 Visa Integrity Fee, to promote visa compliance and limit immigration abuses. Officials promise the bonds will be refunded and only imposed on higher-risk applicants but wonder if and how the policy will impact foreign travel and tourism into the targeted areas.

Through its enhanced controls and implementation of financial assurance, the U.S. aims to better ensure accountability in its visa system while balancing national security needs with legitimate facilitation of travel.

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