U.S. Mulls Visa Bond Up to US$15,000 for High-Risk Visitors

The United States government is considering a major shift in its visa policy that could require certain applicants to post a bond of up to US$15,000 to enter the country for business or tourism. The proposed measure, expected to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, is part of a 12-month pilot programme aimed at addressing concerns about visa overstays.

The initiative targets countries flagged for high rates of visa overstays and poor internal document security. Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may be asked to post bonds in the amount of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000 as a condition for visa approval.

The U.S. Department of State said the goal is to reduce instances of visitors remaining in the country beyond their visa expiration, which often places a burden on immigration enforcement and public resources. The bond would act as a form of financial guarantee that the applicant will comply with the terms of their visa.

“Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot programme,” the notice explains.

The U.S. government’s 2023 data shows that 3,186 Guyanese nonimmigrant visitors overstayed their visas, along with 27 student and exchange visitors, and eight other nonimmigrants within scope. The proposed bond policy could significantly impact applicants from Guyana if the country is listed among those targeted by the pilot.

While the affected countries have not yet been disclosed, the Department noted that the bond requirement could be waived based on an applicant’s personal situation.

This new proposal is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to tighten visa requirements. Just last week, the State Department revealed plans to reintroduce mandatory in-person interviews for many visa renewal applicants—a step that had previously been waived. Additionally, Diversity Visa Lottery entrants may now be required to hold valid passports from their countries of citizenship.

According to the Federal Register preview, the visa bond programme will take effect 15 days after its official release. The State Department argues that the measure is necessary to ensure the U.S. does not bear the financial cost of those who violate the terms of their stay.