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Original Date Announced
August 5, 2025The Department of State (DOS) issued a temporary final rule to launch a 12-month visa-bond pilot program until August 5, 2026. Certain B-1/B-2 business- or tourism-visa applicants will post a financial bond of up to $15,000, as well as visitors from countries with high visa-overstay rates, inadequate screening or problems with vetting information, and persons who acquired citizenship through a Citizenship by Investment program without fulfilling a residency requirement. The decision to impose a bond will be made at consular officers' discretion.
Trump 2.0 [ID #1905]
2025.08.05: RIN: 1400-AG01 - Visa Bond Pilot Program - Temporary Final RuleEffective Date
August 20, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action
August 5, 20252025.08.05 State 9 FAM 401.1 - Introduction to Nonimmigrant Visas and Status
DOS updated 9 FAM 401.1-4 with new language introducing bond guidance. The new language states that “Bonds Should Be Used In Applicable Circumstances,” and that "[t]he consular officer should have no doubt of the applicant's intent to depart the United States in a timely manner, nor have concerns of visa misuse." The language further states that violations of the terms and conditions of bond will "include prohibitions against violating any condition of his or her status, remaining in the United States after expiration of the temporary period of admission, or attempting to adjust status out of a nonimmigrant visa class. DHS will make all bond breach determinations."
View DocumentSubsequent Trump and Court Action
August 11, 20252025.08.11: RIN 1400–AG01 Visa Bond Pilot Program - Correction
The State Department published a correction to the temporary final rule clarifying effective dates of amendatory instructions, making the program effective August 20, 2025, instead of August 5.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: RuleSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedAgencies Affected: Bureau of Consular Affairs DOS DHSAssociated or Derivative Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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