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The Trump administration has introduced a requirement for some visa applicants to post bonds of up to $250,000 as a financial guarantee. This is a departure from standard visa processing and effectively raises the barrier to entry for affected applicants.
The bond requirement applies to applicants from specific countries and is designed to ensure compliance with US immigration law. Applicants must demonstrate they have the financial means to post the bond, which can be a significant obstacle for many.
New financial guarantees are being imposed on visa applicants in certain countries, raising the cost of entry to the US.
If you're applying for a US visa and are from a country subject to this rule, you'll need to budget for the bond amount in addition to standard visa fees. Consult with an immigration attorney in your country to understand whether your visa category is affected and what documentation you'll need to post the bond.
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