US Targets Citizenship-by-Investment Holders with New Visa Bond Pilot Program

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. State Department will launch a 12-month pilot program on August 20 requiring select visa applicants to post bonds up to $15,000, explicitly targeting nationals from countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency requirements.

Policy Focus on CBI Nationals

The Temporary Final Rule published in the Federal Register states citizens obtaining nationality through CBI programs "may have insufficient personal history within or connections to their country of nationality for sufficient screening and vetting checks." While no specific CBI nations are yet listed, the policy framework allows their inclusion based on "screening and vetting deficiencies."

Initial Implementation

• Only Malawi and Zambia nationals initially affected due to overstay rates exceeding 10%
• Program permits expansion to other countries with just 15 days' notice
• Follows June 2025 State Department memo listing several Caribbean CBI nations for potential travel bans

Key Requirements

• Bonds set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 per applicant ($10,000 standard)
• Maximum 30-day stays versus standard 6-month visas
• Entry/exit restricted to designated airports:
  • Boston Logan
  • New York (JFK)
  • Washington Dulles
• Full bond forfeiture for overstays or violations
• Automatic refunds for compliant travelers

National Security Context

The program implements Executive Order 14161, mandating visa reviews to protect U.S. interests. Officials cite concerns that CBI nationals might "undergo a name change to conceal past criminal or other illicit ties" while lacking ties to host-country vetting systems. Bond amounts reflect the $17,121 estimated cost per removal.

Diplomatic Implications

The State Department describes the bonds as "a tool of diplomacy" to pressure foreign governments to reduce overstay rates. This follows recent visa revocations for international students and travel restrictions on 19 nations under the administration's immigration enforcement agenda.

Next Steps

The Treasury Department will evaluate the pilot's feasibility for permanent implementation, with approximately 2,000 applicants expected during the testing phase. Caribbean leaders previously protested related measures, with Antigua's Foreign Minister declaring they "will not be bullied; our foreign policy is one of principle."

If you are interested in obtaining US residency, please take a look at our programs EB-5 and EB-2.