U.S. to Levy Up to $15,000 Bond on Visa Applicants from 12 Countries

The U.S. State Department will implement a new policy requiring a deposit of up to $15,000 for visa applications from citizens of 12 countries, effective April 2. Nationals from these 12 additional countries will need to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at the time of visa application, with the amount determined at the consular officer's discretion during the visa interview.

The measure is part of the Trump administration's efforts to curb visa overstays and illegal immigration. According to the State Department, of approximately 1,000 individuals who previously posted bonds, 97% complied with their visa conditions and did not overstay.

The deposit will be refunded if the visa application is denied or if the applicant complies with visa conditions and departs the U.S. This decision expands the number of countries subject to the State Department's visa bond program to a total of 50 nations.