The United States will soon require certain visa applicants to pay up to $15,000 as a refundable bond in an effort to discourage overstaying visas, officials announced Monday. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on immigration.
The new policy, starting August 20, applies to B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visa holders from countries with high overstay rates. The bond amount will range from $5,000 to $15,000 and will be returned only if applicants follow all visa rules and leave on time.
Consular officers will have the authority to determine who must pay the bond. The rule targets applicants from countries deemed to have weak screening systems or a history of visa abuse. It also covers those granted citizenship without residency requirements.
According to the State Department, the policy aims to protect national security and uphold immigration laws. The bond system is seen as a tool to ensure compliance and reduce the number of individuals who remain in the US illegally after their visa expires.
The pilot program will run for 12 months and applies only to selected nationalities based on a 2023 Department of Homeland Security report. Travelers required to pay the bond must also enter and exit the US through designated airports.
While the list of affected countries has not been disclosed, immigration experts say the policy could impact thousands of travelers. The State Department described it as a key part of the administration’s strategy to prevent illegal stays and strengthen border control.