New Visa Program Requires High Collateral Payments for Applicants from Specific Countries

Starting later this month, the U.S. State Department is implementing a pilot program that mandates certain visa applicants from specified countries to provide a collateral payment of at least $5,000. This financial stipulation will serve as a guarantee for adherence to all visa conditions, with the possibility of losing the funds if the applicant remains in the United States beyond the allowed time frame.

According to a notice which will be published in the Federal Register, consular officers may request bonds of up to $15,000 for nonimmigrant visa applicants from regions considered to have high rates of visa overstays, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security in 2023. Additionally, bonds will also be required from applicants hailing from countries with insufficient screening and vetting processes, as well as those who received citizenship without fulfilling residency obligations.

The State Department's initiative is positioned as a critical measure in the Trump Administration's efforts to reinforce U.S. immigration laws and bolster national security. However, the specific countries affected by this new policy have not been disclosed. Set to commence on August 20, the program will pertain to B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas, with bound travelers required to enter and exit the country through a select list of airports.

Since Trump's return to office in January, his administration has taken a firm stance on migration issues. The State Department has framed this pilot program as a foundational element of the current administration's foreign policy aimed at addressing the national security risks associated with visa overstays.