WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department will make permanent a visa bond program that can require certain nonimmigrant applicants to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for U.S. B1 and B2 visas, according to a Federal Register notice posted online on July 31.
The notice specifies that "consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers." The rule formalizes changes that follow a 2025 visa bond pilot, which the notice states "has provided sufficient data to suggest that a visa bond program is an effective tool for enforcing compliance among bonded visa holders."
Under the pilot, consular officers had the discretion to require bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or up to $15,000. The final rule removes the $5,000 option and raises the upper limit to $20,000. The rule is scheduled to take effect on August 3, when it is to be published in the Federal Register.
The program applies to citizens of 50 countries; the Federal Register list includes 30 nations from Africa. The rule applies specifically to B1 and B2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism travel.
U.S. officials framed the measure as an enforcement tool aimed at reducing visa overstays. The Federal Register notice links the pilot's data to the conclusion that bond requirements can improve compliance among those who receive visas under this program.
Immigration advocates counter that the bond requirement could dissuade lawful travel to the United States. Rights advocates have criticized what they describe as an aggressive immigration stance by the administration, saying it raises concerns about free speech and due process, creates an unsafe environment for ethnic minorities and may encourage racial profiling. The notice and surrounding commentary record that President Donald Trump has defended these immigration measures as necessary for national security.
Critics also note that while the administration has emphasized curbing illegal immigration, it has implemented measures that make legal immigration more challenging. Examples cited in the notice and public discussion include imposition of new and costly fees for certain visa applicants and enforcement of social media vetting for applicants and immigrants already in the country.
Summary of action: The State Department is converting a 2025 visa bond pilot into a permanent program affecting applicants for B1/B2 visas from 50 listed countries, raising the maximum bond to $20,000 and eliminating the $5,000 bond tier.
Effective date: The final rule is set to take effect on August 3, when published in the Federal Register.