KATHMANDU, Aug 6: The US has introduced a new pilot visa program that requires certain applicants for tourist and business visas to deposit a visa bond of up to $15,000.
According to the US Department of State, the objective of the new program is to reduce the number of foreign nationals who overstay their visa duration. Under this policy, individuals applying for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas may be asked to deposit a bond before receiving their visa.
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The bond is refundable and applicants who return to their home country before the visa expires will get their money back. Consular officers will have the discretion to set the bond amount at $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, depending on the applicant’s profile.
Although the notice mentions that the program aims to address high rates of visa overstays, it does not clarify whether all countries will be subject to the bond requirement or if some will be exempted.
According to agencies, the program is expected to go into effect from August 20 and will run for about a year as a trial.
