USCIS News Archives - VisaNation Law Group

USCIS News

Must-Know Facts

  • Beginning August 20, 2025, the U.S. will implement a one-year pilot program requiring certain B-1/B-2 (business/tourist) visa applicants to pay a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
  • This program will not affect all applicants; it specifically targets nationals from countries with high rates of visa overstays or those deemed by the U.S. to have inadequate security screening processes. Currently, this includes Malawi and Zambia.
  • The bond is fully refunded if the visitor departs the U.S. on time but is forfeited for any overstay or status violation. Visas issued under this program are restricted to a single entry with a short authorized stay.

USCIS News Articles

  • Pilot Visa Bond

    Understanding the New $15,000 Visa Bond for B-1/B-2 Applicants

    Published on August 05, 2025

    The U.S. Department of State has introduced the launch of the Visa Bond Pilot Program. Starting August 20, 2025, this one-year program will require B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas from certain countries to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000 before their visa can be approved. The primary objective of this program, according to…

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  • Visa Integrity Waiver Map

    New Nonimmigrant $250 Visa Integrity Fee

    Published on July 22, 2025

    Under a provision in the recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” most international visitors requiring a visa will now face a mandatory Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250. Navigating the New U.S. “Visa Integrity Fee”: What You Need to Know This new requirement, which comes on top of all existing application fees, will…

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  • TN-Visa-Elegibility-Narrows-1

    TN Visa Eligibility Narrows

    Published on June 10, 2025

    On June 4, 2025, USCIS released updated policy guidance that redefines eligibility requirements for the TN visa classification under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA. While the update is framed as a clarification, it represents a meaningful narrowing of who qualifies under specific professional categories—changes that took effect immediately and apply to…

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  • J, F, and M Visitor Visa Interviews Temporarily Paused

    Published on June 04, 2025

    The Trump administration has temporarily paused all new J-1, M, and F visa interview appointments effective May 27th, 2025. The official cable (formal directive or announcement from the Department of State) signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alerted U.S. embassies and consular sections around the world, stating the department plans to “evaluate operations and…

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  • Strategies for Recruiting Immigration Talent In Light of FTC Non-Compete Clause

    Published on May 06, 2024

    On April 23, 2024 the Federal Trade Commission announced a final rule that will effect non-compete agreements moving forward. With nearly one in five Americans (estimated 30 million total or 18% of the U.S. workforce) subject to a non-compete clauses, the final rule will cause disruptions to many employers but pave the way for increased…

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  • H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program in USA: Complete Details Released

    Published on December 21, 2023

    The DOS introduced a pilot program for the domestic renewal (also known as H-1B stamping informally) of H-1B nonimmigrant visas. The program ran from January 29 to April 1, 2024, and aimed to test the feasibility of resuming domestic visa renewals and reducing global visa wait times. Eligible applicants could apply online, and written comments…

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