Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The United States has implemented a controversial adjustment to its visa process that requires some Nigerian nationals applying for B1/B2 visitor visas (tourism and business) to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa eligibility. The measure, which takes effect for Nigeria on January 21, 2026, forms part of a broader U.S. Department of State pilot programme targeting countries with elevated rates of visa overstays and perceived weaknesses in screening mechanisms.
Under the policy, visa applicants from Nigeria and other affected countries may be instructed by a consular officer during their interview to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the exact amount determined at the officer’s discretion based on individual circumstances. The bond must be submitted through the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and paid via the U.S. Treasury’s official Pay.gov platform. Bonds are intended as a financial guarantee that travellers will comply with the terms of their visas, including departing the United States before their authorised stay expires.
Officials have been explicit that bond payment does not guarantee visa issuance. Visa applicants may still be denied entry for reasons unrelated to bond compliance, and funds paid without a consular officer’s direction will not be refunded, underscoring that only official bond requirements tied to individual interview instructions are valid.
The bond requirement is part of a trial programme that initially launched in 2025 and has gradually expanded to encompass a growing list of countries deemed to have high overstay rates or other risk factors. Nigeria is included alongside numerous African, Latin American, Asian and Caribbean nations subject to the bond rule under the evolving framework. As of January 2026, 38 countries were listed as affected, with varying implementation dates for bond requirements.
In addition to the bond condition, travellers required to post bonds may also face restrictions on entry and exit through specified U.S. international airports, a measure aimed at improving monitoring of arrivals and departures under the programme. This reflects a broader emphasis on visa compliance tracking and immigration control, though critics argue it places an undue financial burden on legitimate travellers and may complicate plans for students, business visitors and tourists alike.
The U.S. government characterises the bond programme as part of efforts to deter visa overstays, stating that holding bonds tied to visa compliance can reduce the likelihood that visitors remain in the United States beyond their authorised period. However, the policy has drawn mixed reactions internationally, with concerns raised that it could make lawful travel prohibitively expensive for citizens of featured countries and may disproportionately affect those with limited financial means.
For Nigerian applicants planning travel to the United States later this year or beyond, the new requirement makes it crucial to await official instruction from consular officers before submitting any bond or related payments, and to ensure any funds posted are done through authorised channels only.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments