US Government Issues Official Policy Document on Visa Bonds for Caribbean Nationals, Including CBI Participants.

The United States Department of State has introduced a significant shift in its visa policy through the Visa Bond Pilot Program, effective August 20, 2025. This program, set to run for 12 months, mandates visa bonds of up to $15,000 for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants, particularly targeting individuals from countries with high visa overstay rates, insufficient screening procedures, or Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs that lack residency requirements. This move is anticipated to heavily impact several Caribbean nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada, all of which offer CBI programs. The program underscores a broader U.S. strategy to mitigate visa overstays and encourage international collaboration on security enhancements.

The Visa Bond Pilot Program specifically targets B-1/B-2 visa applicants—those traveling for business or tourism—from nations meeting specific criteria. These criteria include elevated rates of visa overstays in the U.S., inadequate background check and identity verification systems, and the offering of citizenship through investment programs without mandatory physical residency. The State Department will publish a comprehensive list of affected countries on its official website, Travel.State.Gov, at least 15 days prior to the program’s commencement. This list will be subject to revisions throughout the 12-month duration of the program, allowing for adjustments based on evolving circumstances and cooperation from the designated countries.

The financial burden imposed by the visa bond requirement is substantial. Consular officers will assess individual applicants to determine the required bond amount, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000. The default bond amount is set at $10,000, with the highest risk category requiring a $15,000 bond. Applicants are obligated to pay the designated bond via www.Pay.Gov within 30 days of notification. Failure to comply with this payment deadline will result in visa denial, effectively preventing travel to the United States. This financial requirement introduces a significant hurdle for individuals seeking to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism.

The Visa Bond Pilot Program introduces stringent travel restrictions for those subject to its provisions. Approved applicants will receive single-entry visas valid for only three months, with a maximum permitted stay of 30 days in the United States. Furthermore, these travelers are mandated to enter and depart through designated U.S. airports equipped with the necessary technology to verify compliance with these restrictions. These measures are designed to closely monitor the entry and exit of individuals under the program, ensuring adherence to the prescribed timeframes and preventing overstays.

While there isn’t a formal waiver application process available to the public, limited exceptions exist. Consular officers retain the discretion to recommend waivers in exceptional cases, particularly those involving U.S. national interests or urgent humanitarian circumstances. The ultimate authority to grant waivers rests with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services. This limited waiver process acknowledges the potential for unique situations that may warrant exemption from the bond requirement, but also maintains tight control over the granting of such exemptions.

The Visa Bond Pilot Program is underpinned by Executive Order 14159, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” and forms part of a wider U.S. governmental effort to address the issue of visa overstays and enhance national security. The Department of State has cited the substantial number of foreign nationals who overstay their U.S. visas annually, with over 510,000 suspected in-country overstays reported by the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2023 alone. The pilot program serves as a test case to assess the practicality of collecting and processing visa bonds on a larger scale and explore its potential as a diplomatic tool to encourage greater cooperation from foreign governments in strengthening their internal vetting processes and travel document security. The program’s effectiveness will be evaluated throughout its duration, with potential implications for future visa policy adjustments.