The United States is preparing to launch a new pilot program starting August 20. This program is expected to last approximately one year and aims to tighten visa regulations. Specifically, it will increase surveillance on individuals who stay in the United States beyond their permitted visa duration.
The United States is preparing to implement a new system for tourist and business visas. According to reports, the U.S. will launch a new pilot program on August 20, 2025. The goal of this program is to crack down on travelers who stay in the U.S. longer than their visa allows. This scheme will initially be implemented on a trial basis for one year.
Under the new plan, some tourists and business visa applicants will be required to pay a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. This means that if a traveler stays in the U.S. beyond their visa's validity, this bond amount may be forfeited. However, those travelers who return on time will have the money refunded.
Impact on B-1 and B-2 Visas
This rule will apply to travelers with B-1 (business visa) and B-2 (tourist visa) visas. The U.S. State Department may run this scheme under the name ‘Visa Bond Pilot Program.’ Under this program, visa-issuing officers will have the authority to demand bonds from travelers from high-risk countries.
Which Countries' Travelers Will Be Affected?
This scheme may be implemented for countries with a high rate of overstays, i.e., staying longer than the permitted duration. These include countries such as Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, and Yemen. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department, the overstay rate for travelers from these countries has been found to be higher than average.
In addition, travelers from African countries such as Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo may also be affected. Notably, according to a U.S. report, approximately 12,882 Indian citizens also stayed in the U.S. longer than their visa allowed in 2023.
Increased Burden on Travelers
The American Travel Association has expressed its concerns regarding this scheme. They state that the implementation of these new rules could make U.S. visa fees the most expensive in the world. The organization believes this could reduce the number of visa applicants, especially from countries that already travel to the U.S. less frequently.
It is estimated that this scheme will initially affect around 2,000 visa applicants. U.S. officials say that this is an experimental scheme to try to control the problem of visa overstays. It will also assess which countries are most affected by this rule.
Focus on Screening and Investigation
The purpose of this program is not only to collect bonds but also to identify countries from which sufficient screening information about incoming individuals is not available. U.S. consular officers will be authorized to determine the bond amount based on applicants' past travel, overstay history, and other information.
This new U.S. scheme is considered a major change in visa policy. The U.S. has tightened visa rules before, but this is the first time such a bond system is being implemented. This clearly indicates that the U.S. is now working towards making its immigration policy stricter.
Potential Impact on the Travel Industry
The new rules are also likely to impact the travel industry. This could be a new challenge, especially for tour operators and travel agents. They will now need to inform their clients about visa bonds and integrity fees, which will increase the overall cost of travel.
Under the new system, those applying for U.S. visas will need to be more cautious. If their country is included in this list, they may have to deposit a substantial bond amount at the time of application. In such a scenario, it will be essential for visa applicants to thoroughly understand all the rules and conditions.
