Visa applicants in the United States now face a potential security deposit of up to $15,000.
The United States Department of State has announced a new visa bond program that will affect nationals from Malawi and Zambia. The program, scheduled to begin in two weeks on August 20, 2025, is part of a 12-month pilot scheme aimed at addressing overstay rates identified by the Department of Homeland Security.
Under this program, applicants from the affected countries will be required to post a bond as a condition of visa issuance. The bond amount will vary depending on the applicant's circumstances, with a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $15,000. The bond amount will be determined during the visa interview by the consular officer.
The visa bond applies to both business and tourist visas (B-1/B-2) and involves submitting a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and payment through the Department of the Treasury’s online platform Pay.gov. If the duration of stay is exceeded, the money will be withheld.
It is important to note that the list of countries affected by the visa bond program has not been published beyond Malawi and Zambia. However, the program is applicable regardless of where the visa application is made.
In a separate development, a US Appeals Court has banned arbitrary detentions, which may have implications for the implementation of the visa bond program. The court's ruling emphasises the importance of due process and individual rights, ensuring that any measures implemented are fair and just.
This new visa bond program is part of ongoing efforts by the US government to enhance border security and manage immigration effectively. It is hoped that the program will help reduce overstay rates and ensure that only genuine visitors enter the country.
- The community policy, politics, and general-news discussions in the United States might focus on the implications of the new visa bond program for nationals from Malawi and Zambia, as it could impact employment opportunities for individuals who intend to visit the country for business or tourism purposes.
- In light of the recently implemented visa bond program and the court's ruling against arbitrary detentions, employment policy discussions may center on ensuring fairness and justness in the process of determining bond amounts, especially considering its potential financial impact on individuals from Malawi and Zambia.
