US Expands Visa Bond Programme as Compliance Hits 97%
- 23 hours ago
- 1 min read
The United States government has recorded a 97 per cent compliance rate among travellers enrolled in its visa bond programme, reinforcing confidence in the policy as authorities move to widen its scope.
According to officials, close to 1,000 visas have been processed under the scheme, with the vast majority of participants adhering to visa conditions and returning to their home countries within the approved period.
The outcome marks a sharp contrast to previous records, when tens of thousands of visitors from participating countries failed to leave the US after their visas expired, raising concerns about overstays.
Authorities say the programme’s success has prompted plans to extend it to more countries as part of broader immigration control efforts.
Beginning April 2, 2026, applicants from designated countries seeking short-term business or tourism visas will be required to pay a refundable bond of $15,000 before entering the United States.
The policy will cover a total of 50 countries, with 12 new nations added in the latest phase, joining others already participating in the initiative, including Nigeria.
Officials explained that countries are selected based on immigration risk indicators, noting that the bond serves as a financial guarantee that encourages compliance with visa terms.
The government added that the measure not only reduces overstays but also cuts enforcement costs, with authorities estimating significant savings that would otherwise be spent on tracking and removing individuals who remain in the country unlawfully.
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