In 2025, the US announced several changes to its visa rules whether its non-immigrant visas or immigrant visas. These changes are aimed at tightening the entry controls, discouraging visa misuse and making sure travelers follow the rules once they enter the country. Under the U.S.
Tightens Visa Rules update, tourists, business travelers and students will see new requirements. Two of the biggest changes are being introduced including the visa bonds and face to face visa interviews.
U.S. Tightens Visa Rules
If you and your family are planning to visit the US for tourism, business or studies then it’s important to understand what U.S. Tightens Visa Rules means, when these changes start and how they could affect you. Being aware of the timelines and requirements now can help to avoid delays, extra costs or even visa denials.
USA New Visa Rules 2025 Overview
| Department | U.S. Department of State |
| Program Name | U.S. Tightens Visa Rules |
| Country | USA |
| Amount | $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000 |
| Purpose | Reduce visa overstays and encourage compliance |
| Age Criteria | Below 14 or above 79 |
| Effective Date | 2nd September 2025 |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | https://travel.state.gov/ |
U.S. Visa Bonds For Some Countries
Starting 20th Aug, 2025, some travelers applying for B-1 and B-2 visas will have to pay a visa bond before entering the US. This is a refundable amount which is either $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000. If travelers follow the rules of the visa such as leaving the US before the visa expires then travellers will get their bond money back. If they overstay or break the visa conditions then they will lose the bond.
Visa Bond Applicability
This policy applies to travelers from the countries with high rates of visa overstays and two countries confirmed are Zambia and Malawi.
Why US Visa Bonds
The US Government says that the purpose of this is to encourage people to leave US on time and discourage the misuse of tourist and business visas.
What Applies to You – $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000
If a traveler is from a country where this rule applies then the US Visa Consular officer will decide whether the traveler needs to pay the bond and how much they need to pay.
U.S. Mandatory In-Person Visa Interviews
From 2nd September, 2025, the US will require many more visa applicants to attend in person interviews at US embassies or consulates. This is a major change because certain people were previously exempt from this requirement.
Applicability:
- The children below 14 and seniors over 79 were usually not required to attend in person interviews before but now they will.
- The visitor visa renewals will only get an interview waiver if the renewal is done within 12 months of previous visa expiry and applied for renewal in the home country.
- The visa consular officers can still decide to require an interview.
What’s the Impact:
This change means that more people will need to appear physically at a US visa office and this could make appointment slots harder to get and this can also raise the wait times in many counties.
Reason For the Change:
The US Government says that these changes are to improve security checks and help officers to better judge applicants’ intentions via face to face meetings. This may also lower frauds.
FAQs
Who has to pay the US Visa Bond in 2025?
As of now, this US Visa Bond is only for the visitors from countries who have overstayed their visa in the past. Zambia and Malawi are on the list but more countries may be added later.
How much is the US Visa Bond Fee 2025?
The US Visa Bond Fee 2025 is $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000. The visa Consular officer will decide which amount applies to the applicant.
Why is the US requiring in-person interviews for applicants under 14 and over 79?
The US now requires in-person interviews for applicants under 14 and over 79 to boost security, curb fraud, and verify intentions.
When will US Visa Bond Rule 2025 apply?
The US Visa Bond Rule 2025 applies from 20th August, 2025.
When will the US Inperson Mandatory Interview 2025 rule apply?
The US In-person Mandatory Interview 2025 rule will be applicable from 2nd September, 2025.