US expands visa bond requirement to 12 more countries, up to $15,000
The State Department is adding 12 more countries to the US visa bond program, requiring applicants to post up to $15,000 as a condition for visa issuance. The bonds are refunded if the visa is denied or if granted, the holder complies with visa terms. With this expansion, 50 countries will be subject to the requirement, part of a broader effort to curb overstays and illegal migration; the program has shown high post-bond compliance among recipients.
