Another hurdle in getting US visa–Here’s what you need to know

WASHINGTON: A new decision has been made for those wishing to obtain a US visa, as the US authorities have introduced a pilot program to obtain a visa.

A US news agency report has stated that if you want a US visa, you will have to deposit a bond of $15,000.

The report says that those coming from countries whose people do not return to the US will now have to pay a bond of $15,000.

According to the report, those who return on time will get their money back, while the pilot program, which started on August 20, will continue for about a year.

Earlier, the United States of America will begin charging a $250 (Rs. 71,338) “visa integrity fee” to nonimmigrant visitors as part of former President Donald Trump’s newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The fee, set to take effect in fiscal year 2025 starting October 1, will apply to most foreign nationals seeking entry on nonimmigrant visas, including tourists, students, and business travelers. The Department of Homeland Security will have the authority to adjust the fee amount, which will increase with inflation in subsequent years.

Uncertainty Around Implementation

Legal and immigration experts note that the fee’s implementation timeline remains undefined. The U.S. Travel Association has raised questions about how the fee will be collected, given that DHS does not oversee the visa issuance process.

“It’s likely to disproportionately affect B visa holders and international students,” said Steven A. Brown, an attorney at Reddy Neumann Brown PC. “Families planning leisure travel might hesitate to pay an additional $250 per person.”