Banking News – Nepali citizens applying for U.S. tourist and business visas may now be required to deposit a visa bond of up to US$20,000 (approximately Rs. 3 million) under a new policy introduced by the U.S. Department of State.

The new Visa Bond Program, which has been made a permanent measure, applies to citizens of 50 countries, including Nepal, seeking B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist) visas.

Under the new rule, applicants may be required to deposit between US$10,000 and US$20,000 before their visa interview. The bond amount will be determined based on the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable U.S. regulations.

According to the policy, the bond will be refunded if the visa application is denied or if the traveler complies with all visa conditions and departs the United States before the authorized stay expires.

However, if a visitor overstays the validity of the visa or violates the terms of admission, the bond may be forfeited.

The U.S. government said the measure is intended to reduce the number of foreign visitors who remain in the country illegally after their visas expire. The program was initially introduced as a pilot initiative during the Trump administration and has now been adopted as a permanent immigration enforcement measure.

The visa bond requirement applies to nationals of 50 countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nigeria, Cambodia, Mongolia, Fiji, Tanzania, Uganda, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and several other countries identified under the program.