(Digital Itla) The US Department of State has decided to make the Visa Bond Program permanent, under which individuals from 50 different countries will be required to submit a bond of up to $20,000.
According to a foreign news agency report, this rule will apply to B1 and B2 visas issued for business and tourism purposes. As a condition for visa issuance, the applicant may be required to post a bond of up to $20,000.
US officials state that data from the 2025 pilot program proved that this initiative is an effective tool for strictly enforcing visa regulations. In the previous pilot program, the minimum bond amount was set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. However, the new regulation eliminates the $5,000 option and increases the maximum amount to $20,000.
This new rule will take effect following its official publication in the Federal Register on August 3. Out of the 50 countries affected by this program, 30 are located in Africa.
US officials added that the policy aims to reduce the number of individuals who unlawfully overstay in the United States after their visas expire.
It is worth noting that alongside curbing illegal immigration, the US is tightening regulations for legal immigrants as well, which includes the implementation of new fees for certain visas and strict social media vetting requirements.
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