Summary
The U.S. State Department plans to start a program requiring some visa applicants to pay bonds of up to $15,000. This pilot program targets citizens from countries with high rates of visa overstays and will last for 12 months. The move is part of efforts to tighten visa regulations.
Key Facts
- The U.S. requires some visa applicants to pay bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
- This program targets people from countries with high visa overstay rates and poor document security.
- It will last for 12 months and aims to reduce financial risks if visitors do not follow visa rules.
- The bond will not affect citizens from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, mainly in Europe and other regions.
- The State Department also requires Visa Diversity Lottery applicants to have valid passports.
- The program is part of a broader effort to tighten visa requirements under the Trump administration.
