The US has made its visa bond programme permanent for citizens of 50 countries applying for B-1 business and B-2 tourist visas. Eligible applicants may be required to post a refundable visa bond of up to $20,000, depending on the consular officer’s decision. The policy is aimed at reducing visa overstays and ensuring compliance with US visa rules.

The key update for Indians: India is not currently included in the 50-country list, so Indian applicants are not required to pay the $20,000 visa bond under this rule. However, the list could change in the future.