US Introduces Public Charge Bond Option for Immigrant Visa Applicants

The United States has initiated a pilot project implementing a ‘Public Charge Bond’ deposit process for certain immigrant visa applicants. This measure targets applicants who may potentially depend on government assistance financially but meet other legal requirements. Until official guidance is issued, applicants should not send bond money themselves. It is clarified that this process pertains to permanent residency, not tourist visas. Kathmandu, July 5.

The US has started implementing the ‘Public Charge Bond’ system for select immigrant visa applicants. This does not imply that all travelers to the US will be required to pay a substantial bond. The rule does not automatically apply to tourists, students, or all visa categories. It is designed only for a limited group of applicants whose immigrant visa applications present a risk of becoming a public financial burden, although they fulfill other legal eligibility criteria.

The US Department of State has indicated that in such cases, applicants may be offered the opportunity to pay a specified bond amount to secure their visa. The term ‘Public Charge’ in US immigration law refers to individuals likely to depend on government cash assistance or long-term institutional care in the future. When assessing visa or permanent residency applications, factors such as age, health, family status, income, assets, education, skills, and financial support capacity are evaluated comprehensively. Current policies consider government cash assistance, long-term nursing, and institutional care as grounds for ‘Public Charge,’ whereas food assistance, school meals, disaster relief, housing aid, or most non-cash benefits are not automatically included.