🌍Visa Bond Pilot Program 2025
Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
Summary
In this temporary final rule (TFR), the Department of State (the Department) announces the commencement of a 12-month long visa bond pilot program. Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2) and who are nationals of countries identified by the Department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering Citizenship by Investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program. Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers.
Agencies
- State Department
Business Impact
$$$ - High
The Visa Bond Pilot Program introduces bond requirements for certain visa applicants, impacting international business travel and compliance operations. Businesses relying on B-1/B-2 visa holders may face increased costs and operational challenges due to potential bonding fees up to $15,000, which could deter applicants from certain high-overstay countries.