The US Department of State has announced that starting from the 21st of this month, Fiji will be one of the countries where visa applicants may face new financial requirements. Fijian passport holders applying for B1/B2 visitor visas, typically utilized for tourism and business purposes, might be required to pay visa bonds ranging from US$5,000 to US$15,000. The specific amount will depend on the outcome of their visa interview.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to discourage visitors from overstaying their visas, thereby reinforcing compliance with U.S. immigration regulations. It is important to note that payment of a bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. If individuals mistakenly pay fees without proper guidance from a consular officer, those fees will be non-refundable.
The visa bond will automatically be canceled and the funds returned when visa holders leave the United States on or before their authorized stay or do not enter the U.S. before their visa expires. In cases of potential breach of bond terms, the Department of Homeland Security will refer the matter to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for further evaluation.
Scenarios that might trigger such a review include overstaying allowed time in the United States, applying for a change of immigration status, or any other violations as recorded by the Department of Homeland Security.
This new approach may encourage greater adherence to visa regulations, ultimately aiming to streamline travel processes and enhance security within the U.S.
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