By Zoila Palma: The United States will make permanent a visa bond program that could require applicants from 50 countries to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for U.S. business or tourist visas, according to a Federal Register notice posted Friday.
The policy applies to B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas and is set to take effect on August 3, Reuters report.
Under the program, consular officers may require certain visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance. The State Department said a 2025 pilot program provided enough data to show that visa bonds can be an effective tool for encouraging compliance among visa holders and reducing overstays. During the pilot, bonds ranged from $5,000 to $15,000, but the permanent program eliminates the lowest option and raises the maximum to $20,000.
Of the 50 countries covered by the program, 30 are in Africa.
U.S. officials say the measure is aimed at reducing visa overstays, while immigration advocates warn that requiring large financial bonds could discourage legitimate travelers from visiting the United States.
The post International News: US to make visa bond program permanent for applicants from 50 countries appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The United States will make permanent a visa bond program that could require applicants from 50 countries to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for U.S. business or tourist visas, according to a Federal Register notice posted Friday. The policy applies to B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas and is set
The post International News: US to make visa bond program permanent for applicants from 50 countries appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.