The U.S. has unveiled a significant change in its visa policy that may impact tourists and business travellers from countries with high visa overstay rates. Starting August 20, 2025, a new 12-month pilot programme will allow U.S. consular officers to impose a bond of up to $15,000 for applicants seeking B-1/B-2 visas, which cover temporary business and tourism visits, according to a report from reuters.
This new US visa rule 2025 aims to reduce non-compliance with visa terms and echoes a Trump-era immigration policy that was never fully implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who Is Affected by the New US Visa Bond Rule?
According to the notice published in the Federal Register, the bond requirement will only target specific groups, including:
Nationals from countries with high visa overstay rates
Applicants from countries with weak document verification systems or poor passport security
Countries offering Citizenship-by-Investment programs without residency requirements
Importantly, nationals from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are exempt. However, some case-by-case exceptions may still be made depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Breakdown of the Visa Bond and New Fees
The refundable bond amount will be tiered as follows:
- $5,000
- $10,000
- $15,000
Most applicants are expected to be charged at least $10,000, refundable upon timely departure from the U.S.
Additionally, from October 1, 2025, a $250 “visa integrity fee” will be implemented for all non-immigrant visa categories. This fee may also be refundable if visa conditions are fully met.
Countries Likely to Face the Bond Requirement
While the U.S. has not issued a complete list of targeted nations, sources from Reuters suggest that countries such as:
- Haiti
- Yemen
- Eritrea
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Several African and Caribbean nations
…are likely to be affected. Many of these countries were previously flagged in travel bans or overstay watchlists under the Trump administration.
Return of Trump-Era Immigration Tools
The 2025 visa bond programme appears to be a revival of the 2020 initiative introduced by then-President Donald Trump. The original policy was intended to serve as a “diplomatic tool” to hold high-risk countries accountable for visa overstays.
Due to global travel restrictions and limited consular operations during the pandemic, the earlier policy was not widely enforced. However, this new pilot programme signals a shift back toward stricter enforcement and accountability.
Additional US Visa Changes for 2025
Alongside the bond programme, several important visa changes have also been announced:
Mandatory in-person interviews for many visa renewal applicants, reversing earlier waivers.
New Diversity Visa Lottery rules requiring applicants to hold valid passports from their country of citizenship at the time of application submission.
These changes reflect a broader tightening of visa eligibility and oversight.
What This Means for Applicants
Travellers and businesspersons from affected countries should:
Be prepared for a possible bond requirement.
Budget for the $250 integrity fee.
Check if in-person interviews are now mandatory for their visa category.
Ensure passport validity and documentation meet new criteria.
Final Thoughts
The new US visa rule 2025 signals a tougher stance on overstay prevention and immigration enforcement. By reviving and expanding Trump-era policies, the U.S. aims to ensure better compliance and reduce the burden on its immigration system.
If you are a traveller from a potentially affected country, it is strongly advised to consult a qualified visa advisor or immigration expert before applying for a B1/B2 visa.