Overview

• The 12-month pilot, effective August 20, applies to business (B-1) and tourist (B-2) visa applicants from countries identified for high overstay rates, screening gaps or citizenship-by-investment schemes.
• Consular officers have discretion to require bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000—typically at least $10,000—based on each applicant’s circumstances.
• Travelers who depart the US before their visa expires will receive full refunds while those who overstay will forfeit their bond.
• The State Department will publish the list of covered countries at least 15 days before launch, with exemptions for Visa Waiver Program nationals and potential case-by-case waivers.
• By reviving a shelved 2020 proposal, the pilot complements recent measures—including a June travel ban and a new $250 visa integrity fee—and will gauge whether bond procedures are practicable.