The Trump administration has made a major decision requiring citizens of specific countries to submit a security bond of up to $15,000 (approximately ₹12.5 lakh) before being granted a US visa.
This rule will apply to applicants seeking a Tourist (B-2) or Business (B-1) visa, especially from countries known for a high rate of visa overstays, meaning individuals who remain in the US beyond their permitted duration.
Pilot Program Implementation
The US Department of State has enforced this rule through a “temporary final regulation” introduced on Monday. It will be implemented as a 12-month pilot program during which its impact and effectiveness will be assessed.
Who Will Be Affected?
The rule targets citizens of countries with high visa overstay rates. It may also affect those from nations with weak document verification systems or that offer citizenship-by-investment schemes without requiring residency.
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How Much is the Bond?
The bond amount can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the discretion of visa officers.