U.S. to Introduce $15,000 Refundable Visa Deposit for High-Risk Applicants

The U.S. will launch a 12‑month pilot program on August 20, 2025, that mandates tourist and business visa applicants from high‑risk countries to post refundable deposits of up to $15,000.

The U.S. State Department confirmed that the initiative will apply to B-1 and B-2 visa categories and aims to curb visa overstays, which have been flagged as a recurring concern in immigration enforcement.

Consular officers will have discretion to impose bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 with $10,000 expected to serve as the standard benchmark.

The list of affected countries is expected to include Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, Yemen, Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo. Final details of the participating countries will be published no later than 15 days before the program begins.

According to the State Department, deposits will be refunded in full if travelers exit the U.S. within the authorized timeframe, obtain U.S. citizenship, or pass away while in compliance with immigration terms.

However, failure to depart lawfully will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.

The move revives a proposal initially advanced under the Trump administration in 2020 but shelved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new policy aligns with Washington’s broader immigration strategy aimed at strengthening visa compliance and tightening scrutiny of applicants from countries with higher overstay rates.

Estimates from the U.S. Travel Association suggest the program will affect about 2,000 applicants annually, primarily from countries with historically elevated overstay ratios and limited travel volumes.

While officials describe the measure as a “deterrent tool” to enhance compliance, critics warn the upfront financial burden could discourage legitimate travelers and reduce the competitiveness of the U.S. as a global tourism destination.

The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies, with analysts noting the program could set a precedent for broader enforcement measures if proven effective.