The United States has made permanent a visa bond scheme initially piloted for several countries, including Nepal. This program requires certain applicants for B1/B2 temporary visitor visas – typically for business or tourism – to post a bond of up to $20,000. The bond aims to discourage applicants from overstaying their visas, a growing concern for US immigration authorities. Originally introduced as a temporary measure, the State Department now confirms the policy is permanent. Applicants deemed “high risk” for overstaying will be subject to the bond requirement. The financial incentive is intended to ensure visa holders return to their home countries after their authorized stay concludes, addressing non-immigrant visa overstays. This move signifies a stricter approach to visa enforcement by the US government.