US expands visa bond policy to more countries to reduce overstays
The US Department of State is broadening its visa bond programme to cover more countries in an effort to curb visa overstays. The initiative requires certain foreign nationals to pay a refundable $15,000 bond before entering the United States for business or tourism. According to the department, the programme has already shown high compliance rates and is credited with saving significant taxpayer money. The expansion will now include a total of 50 countries.
What we know
- The US Department of State reported a 97 per cent compliance rate among travellers under its visa bond programme.
- Nearly 1,000 visas have been issued under the scheme, with most recipients returning home as required.
- The programme is being expanded to 12 additional countries, bringing the total to 50.
- Foreign nationals from these countries must post a $15,000 refundable bond before receiving B1 or B2 visas.
- The department says the programme saves US taxpayers up to $800 million per year in immigration enforcement costs.
