United States/global | Announced August 7, 2026
The US Department of State has introduced a pilot procedure allowing consular officers to require a public-charge bond in selected immigrant-visa cases. The mechanism may be considered after an applicant has been found inadmissible because officials believe the person is likely to become financially dependent on government assistance.
Applicants cannot enter the programme voluntarily. A consular officer must select the case and notify the applicant, while the bond amount will be decided individually after considering the circumstances. Approval of a bond does not guarantee a visa; the applicant must satisfy all other immigration requirements.
The programme does not affect visas that are already valid and is not a universal bond requirement for Indian applicants. Those selected should follow official instructions and avoid making payments through unauthorized intermediaries.
