Introduction: US Demands $15000 Deposit for Visa Applicants
In a significant policy update, the US demands $15000 deposit for visa applicants from two African nations—Malawi and Zambia—as part of a new 12-month pilot program launched by the U.S. State Department. The decision, according to the department’s official notice, is aimed at curbing visa overstays and improving national security.
Why the US Demands a $15,000 Visa Bond
As per the official Federal Register notice, the US demands $15000 deposit for visa applicants who are classified as high-risk due to:
- High visa overstay rates
- Deficiencies in screening and vetting information
- Citizenship obtained via Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency requirements
This bond applies to B-1/B-2 visa categories, which cover tourists and business visitors. The amount is refundable, provided the visitor returns to their home country before their visa expires.
Countries Affected by the Pilot Program
Initially, the US demands $15000 deposit for visa applicants from:
- Malawi: Overstay rate ~14%
- Zambia: Overstay rate ~11%
Additional countries with high overstay rates, such as Haiti (31%), Myanmar (27%), and Yemen (20%), could potentially be added to the program.
US Immigration Strategy Under Trump’s Second Term
Since President Donald Trump began his second term in office, his administration has taken aggressive steps to tighten immigration enforcement. One of the first actions was signing an executive order aimed at discouraging illegal immigration. As part of this broader agenda, the US demands $15000 deposit for visa applicants to prevent overstay abuse and ensure that visitors comply with visa terms.
Also more: Apply for a New Adult Passport in the USA—Complete 2025 Guide
Consular Officers to Decide on Deposit Requirement
The policy gives U.S. consular officers the authority to decide whether a non-immigrant visa applicant must post the $15000 bond. These decisions are made based on country of origin and perceived risk, meaning the policy could expand to more nations over time.
Reactions from Zambia and Malawi
Zambia’s Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe stated in an interview with the BBC that his government is in discussions with U.S. officials to fully understand the implications of the visa bond and explore solutions to underlying issues causing visa overstays.
Crackdown on International Students and Activists
In addition to the visa bond, the Trump administration has:
- Revoked visas for hundreds of international students
- Detained some students without warning
- Banned travelers from 12 countries and imposed partial bans on another 7
According to immigration lawyers, many of these actions target individuals engaged in pro-Palestinian activism, or those with minor legal infractions like traffic violations.
The US demands $15000 deposit for visa applicants is a clear message to countries with high visa overstay rates: stricter compliance is expected. While the bond is refundable, critics argue it may pose a financial burden on genuine travelers. Supporters believe it will deter visa violations and improve homeland security.
PDF Source for Policy Details:
👉 Download the Official State Department Notice (PDF