The administration of former US President Donald Trump introduced a new rule that requires people from certain countries to deposit a security bond of up to $15,000 (around ₹12.5 lakh) before they are granted a visa.
This applies to those applying for US tourism (B-2) or business (B-1) visas. The rule targets countries where many people overstay their visas.
Pilot Program for One Year
This new rule was introduced as a ‘temporary final regulation’ by the US State Department. It will be part of a 12-month pilot program to monitor how effective the rule is and what impact it has.
Who Will Be Affected and How Much They’ll Pay
The rule will affect applicants from countries with a high rate of visa overstays.
It may also apply to people from countries with weak document verification systems or those that offer citizenship through ‘Citizenship by Investment’ programs.
The bond amount will range between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the applicant’s country and the decision of the visa officers.
