US State Department Proposes New Visa Bond Requirement to Combat Overstays
The US State Department plans a pilot program requiring certain visa applicants to post a bond up to $15,000 to reduce visa overstays.
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Overview
- The US State Department is launching a pilot program in two weeks requiring some visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000.
- This initiative targets applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates, aiming to mitigate the issue.
- Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries will not be affected by this new bond requirement.
- The bond amount can be waived based on individual circumstances, providing flexibility for applicants.
- The program is set to last for 12 months, reflecting ongoing concerns about immigration and visa compliance.
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Analysis
"The US may require foreign nationals from certain countries to pay a $15,000 deposit for a tourist or business visa."
BBC News"The pilot program only applies to visas issued for travel by air and sea and doesn't include travel from Canada or Mexico by land."
USA TODAY"The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to apply to enter the United States, a move that may make the process unaffordable for many."
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FAQ
The State Department has not yet specified which countries will be subject to the visa bond requirement. The list of countries will be announced at least 15 days before the program takes effect and published on travel.state.gov.
The pilot program will last for 12 months from its start date, running through August 2026.
Yes, the bond amount can be waived on a case-by-case basis depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, the bond will be refunded when the visitor leaves the US, naturalizes, or upon death.
The bond requirement will apply primarily to business and tourism visa applicants from countries with high rates of visa overstays or those where screening information is deficient. Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries are exempt.
The program aims to ensure that nonimmigrants comply with the terms and conditions of their visas and depart the US timely, thereby reducing visa overstays.
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