The U.S. State Department has announced a proposed pilot program that could require certain visa applicants to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of receiving a nonimmigrant visa.
Who Could Be Affected?
This proposal targets tourist and business visa applicants (B1/B2 visas) from countries with historically high rates of visa overstays. Though the exact list of countries hasn’t been released yet, reports suggest it may include nations in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean—including countries like Chad, Eritrea, and Haiti.
Only around 2,000 applicants are expected to be affected during the pilot phase.
Why Is This Happening?
The program aims to:
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Deter visa overstays
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Promote timely departure
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Reinforce U.S. immigration compliance policies
This policy was originally proposed during the Trump administration and has now resurfaced as part of broader enforcement priorities.
How Would It Work?
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The bond amount could be up to $15,000
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It would be refundable upon the applicant’s timely departure, naturalization, or in the event of death
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The State Department will announce affected countries at least 15 days before implementation
Why It Matters
This policy may create additional financial barriers for applicants from specific regions and could discourage travel or family visits. It’s also being introduced alongside other tightening immigration measures, such as enhanced social media vetting for student visa applicants.
What You Should Do
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If you’re applying for a U.S. visa soon—especially from a high-overstay country—talk to an immigration attorney now
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Follow official updates from the Department of State and USCIS
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Stay informed—policies like these can change quickly, and preparation is key
Need help understanding how this might affect you or your loved ones? Our legal team is ready to assist. Contact us to schedule a consultation.