The split
US makes visa bond program permanent for travelers from 50 countries, with deposits up to US$20,000 starting August 3
The same story, as told by newsrooms in different countries. Their words, attributed and linked.
Canada/Global
VisaVerge
“The US makes visa bonds permanent for 50 countries in 2026. New US$20,000 maximum guarantee for B-1 and B-2 visitors to prevent overstays.”
Immigration-focused English-language outlet; gave the most detail on the mechanics of the program, explaining that bonds are refundable if the visitor leaves by their visa expiry date and that consular officers set amounts based on the applicant's finances and US tiesread the original ↗
United States
Newsweek
“Consular officers will assess travelers' finances and U.S. ties when setting refundable payments under the permanent program.”
US mainstream news magazine; reported the program is "set to stay" and highlighted the 50-country scope, noting consular officers assess both financial resources and US ties when setting each individual's required paymentread the original ↗
Eastern Europe
Logos Press (Moldova)
“Starting August 3, the US may require visa bonds of up to US$20,000 for certain tourist and business visa applicants under new immigration rules.”
Moldovan press agency with EU-accession-track readership; noted the program begins August 3 and specifically mentioned US$20,000 as the cap, with a non-EU Eastern European angle on how the rule affects travelers from countries not covered by the US visa-waiver programread the original ↗