Archive · 6 Aug 2025
U.S. Implements New Visa Rules with Bonds, Fees, and Stricter Requirements
The U.S. is changing how it handles visas.
Some people might have to pay a bond, a type of deposit, to get a visa.
Starting in 2026, most people applying for a visa will have to pay an extra $250 fee.
Also, the rules for getting a green card through marriage are getting stricter.
Finally, most people will now need to go to an in-person interview to get a visa.
New U.S. visa rules include bond requirements and fees.
Some applicants from high-risk countries may face visa bonds up to $15,000.
A $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be charged to non-immigrant visa applicants from 2026.
New USCIS rules tighten scrutiny for marriage-based green card petitions.
In-person visa interviews will be mandatory for most non-immigrant visa applicants starting September 2025.
- Who
- Tourist, business, student, and other visa applicants.
- What
- Changes to U.S. visa rules, including bonds, fees, and stricter requirements.
- When
- Bond program starting August 20, 2025; Integrity Fee from 2026; new green card rules August 1, 2025; in-person interviews from September 2, 2025.
- Where
- United States of America.
- Why
- To address visa overstays, improve vetting, and tighten immigration controls.
Government's Perspective
Critics' Perspective
Purpose of the new rules
Government's Perspective
Reduce visa overstays and improve vetting.
Critics' Perspective
Discourage legitimate applicants, increase costs, and burden legal immigrants.
- Visa Bond Amount
- $5,000 - $15,000
- Visa Integrity Fee
- $250
- I-94 Fee
- $24
- ESTA Fee
- $13
- EVUS Fee
- $30
- Interview Requirement
- In-person interviews for most applicants
- Green Card Rules
- Stricter scrutiny of marriage-based petitions
