• About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Header Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025 forecast showing cloudy skies, scattered showers, and tropical wave conditions

    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025: Tropical Wave Brings Cloudy Skies, Showers

    Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

    Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

    Stephen Fevrier GPH statement: Stephen Fevrier in a suit with a yellow tie, superimposed over Castries harbour with cruise ships docked at Port Castries.

    Stephen Fevrier GPH statement Blast SLP over SLASPA deal

    Partly cloudy and hazy skies over St Lucia weather August 26 2025 with digital forecast icons in the sky

    St Lucia weather August 26 2025: partly cloudy, hazy skies

    Stephen Fevrier, wearing a blue suit and sunglasses, stands outside a building in Castries after delivering his Stephen Fevrier crime statement on August 19, 2025

    Stephen Fevrier crime statement targets Pierre government failures

    Illustration showing rough seas and crashing waves used to depict marine conditions in the St Lucia weather August 25 2025 forecast.

    St Lucia weather August 25 2025: Cloudy skies, showers, thunderstorms

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Nadine J Joseph-Collins, who spoke out on the St Lucia calypso judging controversy

    St Lucia calypso judging controversy: Labour supporter speaks out

    Sherman Augustin stabbed to death during Carnival in Vigie, pictured in green FC football uniform

    Sherman Augustin stabbed to death in Vigie on Carnival Monday

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

    Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

    Commercial airplane flying low over Caribbean waters, symbolizing improved Caribbean air connectivity through CTO–ASM partnership

    Caribbean air connectivity gets boost with CTO, ASM partnership

    United Airlines aircraft on the tarmac during operational disruptions caused by the United Airlines technical issue and FAA ground stop

    United Airlines technical issue causes major flight delays

    Jennifer Matarangas King pictured, nominated as USVI Tourism Commissioner

    Jennifer Matarangas King tapped to lead USVI Tourism

    Hand holding a Saint Lucia passport by airplane window, symbolizing St Lucia US visa overstay rate issue.

    St Lucia US visa overstay rate highlights deepening economic crisis

    A close-up of a US visa stamp inside a passport, illustrating the US visa bond pilot targeting B-1 and B-2 travelers.

    Costly US visa bond pilot hits B-1/B-2 travelers with $15K rule

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
    • Saint Lucia Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • All
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025 forecast showing cloudy skies, scattered showers, and tropical wave conditions

    St Lucia Weather August 27 2025: Tropical Wave Brings Cloudy Skies, Showers

    Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

    Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

    Stephen Fevrier GPH statement: Stephen Fevrier in a suit with a yellow tie, superimposed over Castries harbour with cruise ships docked at Port Castries.

    Stephen Fevrier GPH statement Blast SLP over SLASPA deal

    Partly cloudy and hazy skies over St Lucia weather August 26 2025 with digital forecast icons in the sky

    St Lucia weather August 26 2025: partly cloudy, hazy skies

    Stephen Fevrier, wearing a blue suit and sunglasses, stands outside a building in Castries after delivering his Stephen Fevrier crime statement on August 19, 2025

    Stephen Fevrier crime statement targets Pierre government failures

    Illustration showing rough seas and crashing waves used to depict marine conditions in the St Lucia weather August 25 2025 forecast.

    St Lucia weather August 25 2025: Cloudy skies, showers, thunderstorms

    Trending Tags

    • Government of Saint Lucia
    • Saint Lucia Crime News
    • Saint Lucia Agriculture News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

    Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

    Allen Chastanet addresses the nation on the St Lucia crime crisis with police lights in the background.

    St Lucia crime crisis: Chastanet slams Pierre over deadly surge

    Jason Holder hits the winning shot in thrilling West Indies T20 victory over Pakistan in Florida

    Jason Holder Heroics End West Indies T20 Losing Streak

    Hulk Hogan flexing in red Hulkamania shirt before crowd – Hulk Hogan dead at 71

    Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest

    Nadine J Joseph-Collins, who spoke out on the St Lucia calypso judging controversy

    St Lucia calypso judging controversy: Labour supporter speaks out

    Sherman Augustin stabbed to death during Carnival in Vigie, pictured in green FC football uniform

    Sherman Augustin stabbed to death in Vigie on Carnival Monday

    Trending Tags

    • Julien Alfred
    • West Indies Cricket
  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
    Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

    Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

    Commercial airplane flying low over Caribbean waters, symbolizing improved Caribbean air connectivity through CTO–ASM partnership

    Caribbean air connectivity gets boost with CTO, ASM partnership

    United Airlines aircraft on the tarmac during operational disruptions caused by the United Airlines technical issue and FAA ground stop

    United Airlines technical issue causes major flight delays

    Jennifer Matarangas King pictured, nominated as USVI Tourism Commissioner

    Jennifer Matarangas King tapped to lead USVI Tourism

    Hand holding a Saint Lucia passport by airplane window, symbolizing St Lucia US visa overstay rate issue.

    St Lucia US visa overstay rate highlights deepening economic crisis

    A close-up of a US visa stamp inside a passport, illustrating the US visa bond pilot targeting B-1 and B-2 travelers.

    Costly US visa bond pilot hits B-1/B-2 travelers with $15K rule

    Trending Tags

    • OKEU Hospital
    • Saint Lucia Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
No Result
View All Result
Unitedpac St Lucia News - Mobile Logo
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV
Home Lifestyle Travel

Costly US visa bond pilot hits B-1/B-2 travelers with $15K rule

Unitedpac by Unitedpac
August 5, 2025
in World, Politics, Travel
Reading Time: 4 mins read
238 10
A A
0
A close-up of a US visa stamp inside a passport, illustrating the US visa bond pilot targeting B-1 and B-2 travelers.
55
SHARES
550
VIEWS
Share Share Reddit

New bond rule impacts B-1 and B-2 visa applicants from CBI nations and overstay-prone countries

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State has launched a US visa bond pilot that will run for 12 months, allowing consular officers to require certain B-1 and B-2 visa applicants to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 as a condition for visa issuance. The temporary final rule, published on August 5, 2025, targets applicants from countries with high overstay rates, inadequate vetting systems, or active CBI programs lacking residency requirements.

According to the regulation published in the Federal Register on August 5, the pilot will run through August 5, 2026, and applies exclusively to B-1/B-2 visa applicants, commonly used for business and tourism.

ADVERTISEMENT

US visa bond pilot could impact Caribbean, CBI nations

The pilot program grants consular officers discretionary authority to determine whether a visa bond is necessary based on an applicant’s nationality and personal circumstances. The rule outlines three potential bond amounts: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with $10,000 set as the default. Officers may require a higher or lower bond based on an applicant’s financial profile, travel intent, and perceived overstay risk.

The Department of State emphasized that the pilot is intended to test the operational feasibility of managing visa bonds, which have historically been discouraged due to administrative burden. The program is also seen as a diplomatic tool to encourage governments to address overstay patterns and improve identity screening, particularly for countries with CBI programs that lack residency or vetting safeguards.

The launch of the US visa bond pilot follows a series of recent policy changes by the U.S. government aimed at tightening nonimmigrant visa procedures. Notably, the visa interview waiver program for Saint Lucia was recently suspended, requiring most B-1/B-2 applicants to attend in-person consular appointments, further increasing the burden on travelers from the region.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the list of countries covered by the pilot has not yet been released, it will be posted on Travel.State.Gov at least 15 days before implementation. The list may be updated during the program’s duration, with similar notice requirements.

Bond requirement and process

If a consular officer determines an applicant falls within the pilot scope, the visa will be temporarily denied under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The applicant will then be given 30 days to submit a visa bond through the U.S. Treasury’s secure Pay.Gov platform using Form I-352.

Only after the bond is successfully posted will the visa be issued. The visa will be valid for a single entry and must be used within three months. Upon entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will typically grant a 30-day stay, and the traveler must both maintain lawful status and depart on time to avoid forfeiting the bond.

Bond cancellation and breach

Bonds will be refunded in full if the visa holder complies with all conditions, including timely departure and maintaining status. The refund process will be based on travel data from DHS’s Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS) or by appointment at a U.S. consulate abroad, where travelers can present documents proving lawful departure.

If a traveler violates visa conditions, overstays, or fails to comply with the bond agreement, the bond will be deemed breached and forfeited. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will finalize breach determinations, and visa holders will be informed of appeal procedures outlined in Form I-352 and DHS Form I-290B.

No public waiver process

There is no public application process for waiving the bond requirement. However, consular officers may recommend a waiver to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services in rare cases involving urgent humanitarian needs or U.S. government-sponsored travel. All waiver decisions are discretionary and based on national interest criteria.

Pilot scope and expected volume

The Department estimates the pilot will affect approximately 2,000 visa applicants over its 12-month duration. With the average bond set at $10,000, the total amount of bonds collected could reach $20 million, although all funds are refundable if travelers remain compliant.

The pilot is not intended to affect F-1 student visas, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers, or nationals of Canada and Mexico, who are excluded from this regulation.

For continued updates on US visa policies, immigration changes, and regional travel developments, follow Unitedpac St Lucia News.

Tags: B-1 B-2 visa policy 2025Caribbean visa newsCBI program controversyCitizenship by investment scrutinyNonimmigrant visa bond requirementOverstay prevention policiesSaint Lucia US travel updatesUS immigration rule changes 2025US visa bond pilotUS visa interview waiver

Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.

Unsubscribe
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

SLP and the RSLPF: Minerva Ward Slams Culture of Impunity

Next Post

Uber stock Q2 earnings beat forecasts as $20B buyback unveiled

Related Posts

Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

August 27, 2025
139
Stephen Fevrier GPH statement: Stephen Fevrier in a suit with a yellow tie, superimposed over Castries harbour with cruise ships docked at Port Castries.

Stephen Fevrier GPH statement Blast SLP over SLASPA deal

August 27, 2025
161
Stephen Fevrier, wearing a blue suit and sunglasses, stands outside a building in Castries after delivering his Stephen Fevrier crime statement on August 19, 2025

Stephen Fevrier crime statement targets Pierre government failures

August 26, 2025
223
Peter Chiquot and Prime Minister Philip J Pierre pictured side by side, as Chiquot debunks Philip J Pierre in the St Lucia Police K9 controversy.

Chiquot debunks Philip J Pierre in St Lucia Police K9 Controversy

August 25, 2025
383
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win in Brussels 2025 crossing finish line

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Diamond League 100m win Brussels

August 23, 2025
215
Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88, former Providence Municipal Court chief smiling at his office desk with nameplate and family photos.

Judge Frank Caprio Dies at 88, Beloved TV Court Jurist

August 21, 2025
162
Next Post
Driver holding smartphone with Uber app open while steering a Volkswagen, used in article on Uber stock Q2 earnings and $20B buyback.

Uber stock Q2 earnings beat forecasts as $20B buyback unveiled

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Stay Connected

  • 22.4k Fans
  • 873 Followers
  • 13.5k Subscribers
  • 2.6k Followers
  • 41 Followers
  • 2.3k Followers
ADVERTISEMENT

Top Stories

Partly cloudy and hazy skies over St Lucia weather August 26 2025 with digital forecast icons in the sky

St Lucia weather August 26 2025: partly cloudy, hazy skies

August 26, 2025 - Updated on August 27, 2025
154
Illustration showing rough seas and crashing waves used to depict marine conditions in the St Lucia weather August 25 2025 forecast.

St Lucia weather August 25 2025: Cloudy skies, showers, thunderstorms

August 25, 2025 - Updated on August 27, 2025
199
A digital illustration showing St Lucia rattled by 4.4 quake with concentric seismic rings and a red epicenter symbolizing the earthquake.

St Lucia rattled by 4.4 quake after earlier tremor

August 25, 2025
1.8k
Graphic illustration of the Pitons in St Lucia under stormy skies with a sign reading Bad Weather Ahead for the St Lucia weather August 24 2025 update.

St Lucia weather August 24 2025: Tropical disturbance to bring heavy showers

August 24, 2025 - Updated on August 27, 2025
515
Unitedpac St. Lucia News logo


Unitedpac St Lucia News — trusted source for St Lucia News online. Get breaking news today on politics, crime, tourism, and community stories across St Lucia, the Caribbean, and worldwide.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Caribbean News
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Justice
    • Local News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
  • Business
  • Commentary
  • Entertainment
    • Saint Lucia Events
    • Sports
    • Video News
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Health
    • Travel
  • Politics
  • Press Releases
  • Tech
  • World

Recent News

St Lucia Weather August 27 2025 forecast showing cloudy skies, scattered showers, and tropical wave conditions

St Lucia Weather August 27 2025: Tropical Wave Brings Cloudy Skies, Showers

August 27, 2025
Cruise ship at Fort-de-France port reflecting growth in the Martinique Cruise Sector.

Martinique cruise sector posts record 465,000 passenger arrivals

August 27, 2025
Stephen Fevrier GPH statement: Stephen Fevrier in a suit with a yellow tie, superimposed over Castries harbour with cruise ships docked at Port Castries.

Stephen Fevrier GPH statement Blast SLP over SLASPA deal

August 27, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • St Lucia News
  • All News
    • Agriculture
    • Local News
    • Justice
    • Crime
    • Caribbean News
    • Obituary
    • Religion
    • Weather Alerts
    • Education
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Saint Lucia Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Travel
    • Health
  • Tech
  • Commentary
  • Press Releases
  • LIVE TV

Copyright © 2025 Unitedpac St Lucia News - All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.