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In a move to curb rising visa overstays, the U.S. Department of State is launching a one-year visa bond pilot program beginning August 20, 2025. Under the initiative, certain applicants seeking B‑1 (business) or B‑2 (tourist) visas may be required to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000.
The pilot grants US consular officers’ authority to impose bonds—typically $10,000, but possibly $5,000 or $15,000—on applicants from nations flagged for high overstay rates, inadequate vetting procedures, or problematic citizenship-by-investment schemes.
This initiative revives a similar policy first announced in late 2020, which was never fully implemented due to the COVID‑19 travel decline. It aligns with broader presidential immigration priorities, including tightening visa interviews globally and revising travel bans affecting multiple countries.
For families, the financial burden can be substantial: adult applicants may face bonds of $10,000–$15,000 each, while dependent children may be required to pay $5,000. The bond is refundable only if visa holders comply with visa terms and depart the US promptly.
