The U.S. Visa Bond Program Is Not Permanent for Every Country

Recently, the U.S. visa bond program has made news headlines across the country. This program requires certain visitors to pay a bond that is refundable before they can enter the United States. There has been a common misconception that the rule has become permanent for certain countries, but this is not true. Below, our Atlanta immigration lawyer explains in greater detail.

What is the U.S. Visa Bond Program?

The visa bond program allows the federal government in the United States to require certain travelers that want to apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa to pay a refundable bond up to $20,000 before their visa is approved. If the individual complies with the rules associated with their visa, including leaving the country before their visa expires, the bond is typically refunded. However, paying a bond does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must still qualify for the visa just like everyone else.

Why are Certain Countries Included?

The program is not intended to be permanent for all countries. Instead, the U.S. Department of State will review immigration information and other factors before determining which countries to include. One of the biggest determining factors is a country’s overstay rates. If citizens of a foreign country often stay in the U.S. after their visas have expired, they will likely be considered for the program. Other factors, such as cooperation with the immigration authorities in the United States and national security concerns, can also play a role.

The Countries Included in the Program Can Change

It is important to understand that the list of impacted countries included in the program is not permanent. As trends in immigration change, the U.S. government can add new countries to the program or remove countries when they no longer meet the criteria. Just because a country requires visa bonds today does not mean they will in the future if their rates of overstaying visas improve or other concerns are addressed.

Likewise, however, countries that are not currently impacted by the program could be added later if circumstances change.

Bonds Do Not Apply to All Travelers

Just as not all countries are impacted by the visa bond program, neither are all visitors from those countries. A U.S. consular officer will review all applications on a case-by-case basis and determine whether a bond is necessary. Visitors should only pay a bond if they are specifically instructed to do so when they apply for a visa.

Our Immigration Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help

If you want to apply for a visa to enter the United States, it is important that you understand the  laws that apply to your case. Our Atlanta immigration lawyer can advise on what those are. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please contact Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611. We are committed to serving clients in Moultrie, Atlanta, and Dalton, GA, as well as Chattanooga, TN. Call now to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/countries-subject-to-visa-bonds.html