Visa Bond Pilot Program Expands to More Countries

When the program was first introduced, it applied to only two countries. Under the new update, nationals from The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia may now be required to post a refundable visa bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 when applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas. The Visa Bond Pilot Program, implemented by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to test whether requiring a financial bond can help reduce visa overstays and improve compliance with immigration laws. The bond is refunded once the traveler departs the United States on time and in accordance with the terms of their visa.

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