The State Department is preparing to launch a yearlong visa pilot program for tourism and business-related entry into the US on Aug. 20, featuring bonds that foreigners from select countries must pay to enter the US.
Those bonds could be $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, according to a Federal Register notice first reported by Reuters. If individuals overstay their visas, they could lose that money.
Foreigners who comply with their visa requirements at the end of their stay will receive their funds back.
The visa bond pilot program is specific to applicants for B-1/B-2 visas — which are used for business and tourism — who hail from countries known for having high overstay rates or where vetting is believed to be subpar.
Read Full Article Here