The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant change for Fijian citizens applying for B1/B2 visitor visas, set to take effect on the 21st of this month. Under this new policy, applicants may be required to pay a visa bond, which can vary between US$5,000 and US$15,000, depending on the specifics of their visa interview outcomes.
This initiative aims to deter individuals from overstaying their visas and to enhance compliance with U.S. immigration regulations. It’s important to emphasize that the payment of a bond does not assure visa approval; any payments made outside of a consular officer’s guidance will not be refunded.
Once a visa is issued, the corresponding bond amount will be canceled and refunded if the holder departs the United States within the authorized stay, does not enter the U.S. before the visa expiry, or is not permitted entry at the port of entry.
Additionally, any violations related to the terms of the visa bond are likely to be reported to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by the Department of Homeland Security. This encompasses instances where visa holders overstay their allowed time in the U.S. or seek to change their immigration status.
This policy adjustment is part of broader efforts to reinforce the integrity of the U.S. visa process, aiming to strike a balance between facilitating legitimate travel and reducing the incidence of overstays. By implementing these measures, the U.S. government hopes to uphold the compliance levels of visitors while still welcoming those who travel for tourism and business purposes.