Overview

• The 12-month program was detailed in a Federal Register notice on August 4 and applies to B-1 and B-2 visa applicants from targeted nations.
• Consular officers may demand refundable bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 or grant individual waivers based on applicants’ circumstances.
• The State Department will publish the list of affected countries at least 15 days before the pilot begins and may amend it with the same notice period.
• Deposits will be returned to visa holders who depart on time, naturalize or die, ensuring compliance safeguards.
• The bond pilot complements a new $250 visa integrity fee and recent travel bans as part of the administration’s broader effort to curb overstays.