The new measure applies to applicants applying for nonimmigrant visas in categories B-1 (business travel) and B-2 (tourism). The security deposit serves as a guarantee that the visa holder will leave the U.S. by the specified date and will not violate the terms of their stay. If visa regulations are followed, the money is refunded after departure from the country, according to Reuters.
Previously, a similar program operated on a pilot basis. It was launched in August 2025 for a period of 12 months and allowed for the collection of deposits in amounts of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The new decision makes the mechanism permanent and increases the maximum amount to $20,000.
“A foreign national applying for a visa to temporarily visit the country for business or tourism purposes (categories B-1/B-2) may be required to post a bond (‘visa bond’) as a guarantee that they will comply with their nonimmigrant status and depart the country in accordance with established procedures,” states the updated notice from the State Department.
According to the department, the measure may apply to citizens of 50 countries. The list includes African nations, as well as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and a number of other countries.
The new rules are being introduced amid a tightening of U.S. immigration policy. Earlier, The New York Times reported that immigration officials had begun detaining foreign nationals with expired visas at U.S. airports, including spouses of U.S. citizens. According to the publication, such checks have taken place at at least 15 airports across the country in recent weeks. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that authorities are seeking to prevent individuals who are in the country illegally from taking domestic flights, except in cases where they are leaving voluntarily.
