US imposes $15,000 visa bond on Nigerian applicants in new immigration crackdown

The United States has introduced stringent new travel regulations that may compel Nigerians applying for B1/B2 business and tourism visas to post bonds of up to $15,000.

This measure is part of a broader crackdown aimed at tightening immigration compliance for nationals of countries designated as high risk.

According to a notice released by the U.S. Department of State this week, Nigeria is listed among 38 countries affected by the new policy, which includes 24 African nations. The requirement is scheduled to take effect for Nigerian applicants on January 21.

Under the new guidelines, eligible Nigerian applicants for B1/B2 visas may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The specific amount will be determined by a U.S. consular officer during the visa interview.

Selected applicants must submit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-352 and formally agree to the bond terms via the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov.

The State Department emphasized that paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. It also warned applicants that any fees paid without explicit instruction from a consular officer will not be refunded.

Furthermore, visa holders subject to the bond requirement will face logistical restrictions; they must enter the United States only through designated ports of entry. These include Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

The policy outlines specific conditions for refunds. The bond will be returned only if the DHS confirms that the visa holder departed the United States on or before their authorized stay expires, if the visa expires without being used, or if the traveler is denied entry at a U.S. port.

This development follows closely on the heels of partial travel restrictions imposed on Nigeria on January 1. On December 16, the U.S. government placed Nigeria on a list of 15 countries mostly African facing partial travel suspensions. Other affected nations include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

U.S. authorities cited security concerns as the primary driver for Nigeria’s inclusion, specifically referencing activities by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State. Officials stated that the security environment in Nigeria poses substantial screening and vetting difficulties.

Additionally, the U.S. pointed to visa overstay statistics, noting a 5.56 per cent overstay rate for B1/B2 visas and an 11.90 per cent rate for student and exchange visitor categories (F, M, and J visas).
Consequently, the partial suspension affects both immigrant visas and several non-immigrant categories, further restricting travel access for Nigerian citizens.