Starting August 3, the United States will begin permanently charging up to $20,000 in advance fees for tourist (B-2) or business (B-1) visa applications. This applies to citizens of 50 countries.
According to a statement from the US State Department, starting August 3, the United States will begin to permanently collect a deposit of up to $20,000 for tourist and business visa applications from citizens of other countries who do not stay in the United States beyond the specified period of time.
Last August, the United States launched a pilot visa bail program for visa applicants. It was designed to last for 12 months and applied to tourist (B-2) or business (B-1) visas. The program allowed consulates to request an advance payment of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at their discretion, which was refundable upon departure from the United States.
