Starting August 4, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 will require some B-1/B-2 visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000. This change, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law on July 4, 2025, aims to reduce visa overstays and increase compliance with U.S. immigration rules.
The new visa bond policy affects people applying for B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas from countries the U.S. State Department identifies as having high rates of visitors who stay past their allowed time. The government will announce the list of affected countries at least 15 days before the program starts. The pilot program will last for 12 months, after which officials will review its impact and decide if it should continue or change.
How the Visa Bond Works
Applicants from the listed countries will be told during their visa interview if they must pay the visa bond. The bond, which can be as high as $15,000, must be paid before the visa is issued. If the visitor leaves the United States 🇺🇸 on time and follows all visa rules, the bond will be refunded. However, if the person overstays or breaks the visa terms, they will lose the bond money.
The U.S. State Department says this policy is a “diplomatic tool” to encourage visitors to leave on time. Consular officers, who work at U.S. embassies and consulates, have the power to decide if an applicant must pay the bond. The policy does not apply to all countries—only those with high overstay rates, poor screening systems, or citizenship-by-investment programs that do not require living in the country.
Other New Fees and Surcharges
Alongside the visa bond, the United States 🇺🇸 is introducing several new fees for people applying for nonimmigrant visas. The most notable is the Visa Integrity Fee, a $250 charge for most nonimmigrant visa categories, including B-1/B-2, student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas. This fee will start in 2026 and will increase each year based on inflation.
Other fee changes include:
- $100 annual fee for asylum applicants with pending cases.
- $550 fee for first-time Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications for certain groups; $275 for renewals.
- $250 fee for Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) registration fee increased from $50 to $500.
- Nonimmigrant visa request fees (such as J-1, H-1B, TN, E-3) increased to $580 as of January 1, 2025, with more changes expected after July 1, 2025.
Applicants must pay these new fees with their applications if postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. If the correct fees are not included, the application will be rejected after August 21, 2025.
Impact on Travelers, Students, and Families
The visa bond and new fees will mainly affect people from countries with high visa overstay rates. The extra costs may make it harder for some families, students, and business travelers to visit the United States 🇺🇸. For example, a student from a listed country who wants to visit family or attend a conference may need to pay the $15,000 bond plus the Visa Integrity Fee and other charges.
Supporters of the policy say it will help the United States 🇺🇸 reduce visa overstays and cover the costs of enforcing immigration laws. They believe the bond will encourage visitors to follow the rules and leave on time. Critics, however, warn that the high costs could hurt tourism, education, and business. They also worry that families from developing countries will be hit the hardest.
Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups point out that the new rules are complex and may confuse applicants. They recommend that people check official government websites for the latest information before applying. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark one of the most significant shifts in U.S. visa policy in recent years and could have wide-reaching effects on international travel and migration.
Background and Policy History
The idea of a visa bond is not new. The United States 🇺🇸 first tested a similar policy in 2020, but it was not widely used. The 2025 version, brought back under President Trump’s administration, is broader and more strictly enforced. The government says the pilot program will last for 12 months. After that, officials will look at the results and decide if the visa bond should continue, change, or end.
The Visa Integrity Fee and other surcharges are part of a larger effort to update immigration fees and make sure the system pays for itself. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) includes many changes to how the United States 🇺🇸 handles visas and immigration benefits.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | B-1/B-2 | 15 days before August 4, 2025 for announcement of affected countries |
| USA | B-1/B-2 | 12 months for visa bond pilot program starting August 4, 2025 |
| USA | B-1/B-2 | August 21, 2025 for application rejection deadline |
| USA | B-1/B-2 | Starting in 2026 for Visa Integrity Fee implementation |
| USA | B-1/B-2 | Effective January 1, 2025 for nonimmigrant visa request fee increase |
What Applicants Should Do
If you are from a country that may be affected by the visa bond, here are some steps to take:
- Check the U.S. State Department website for updates on which countries are included and when the program starts. The official site for visa information is U.S. Department of State – Visa Services.
- Prepare for higher costs. Add up the visa bond, Visa Integrity Fee, and any other charges that may apply to your visa type.
- Ask questions during your visa interview. If you are told you must pay the bond, make sure you understand the payment and refund process.
- Keep all documents. Save proof of your departure from the United States 🇺🇸 to help get your bond refunded.
- Stay updated. Rules and fees may change, so check official sources before you apply.
Looking Ahead
The visa bond pilot program and new fees are likely to change how people from certain countries plan their visits to the United States 🇺🇸. If the pilot is successful, the government may expand the program or make it permanent. If it causes too many problems or does not reduce overstays, it could be changed or ended.
For now, anyone planning to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa or other nonimmigrant visas should pay close attention to the new requirements. Immigration lawyers suggest starting the application process early and double-checking all forms and fees. For the latest forms, such as the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application, always use the official government website.
In summary, the visa bond and new fees mark a big change in U.S. immigration policy. They bring new costs and steps for many travelers, but also aim to improve compliance and security. Staying informed and prepared will help applicants avoid surprises and increase their chances of a successful visa experience.
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