U.S. to impose visa bonds of $15,000 to curb overstay 

The  United States Department of State has announced a new visa policy that will require some applicants to pay refundable bonds of up to $15,000. The move is part of a 12-month pilot program aimed at curbing visa overstays, a key focus of  President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.

According to a notice from the State Department, set to be officially published in the U.S. Federal Register on Tuesday, the policy will take effect from August 20 and will apply to individuals seeking B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) nonimmigrant visas.

Under the program, consular officers may instruct applicants from certain countries with high visa overstay rates to pay a bond of no less than $5,000, and up to $15,000, as a condition for visa issuance.

The department explained that the funds would be returned if the visa holders adhered strictly to the terms of their stay, including leaving the U.S. before their visa expires. However, those who overstay their visas risk losing the bond.

While the announcement did not name specific countries affected by the policy, it stated that eligibility would be based on data from a 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report, which identified nations with significant numbers of citizens who overstay their visas.

As part of the enforcement mechanism, visa holders required to pay the bond must enter and exit the United States through pre-designated airports, further tightening control over their movements.

Describing the policy as “a key pillar of the Trump Administration’s foreign policy,” the State Department defended the decision as necessary to address what it called “a clear national security threat” posed by individuals who remain in the U.S. beyond their authorised stay.