U.S. Visa Deposit Becomes Permanent: New Amounts and Practical Nuances

What’s changed in U.S. visa policy

Starting on August 3 2026, the refundable‑deposit scheme that was trialled for a year is now a permanent part of the B‑1/B‑2 (business and tourism) visa process. Applicants from a designated list of countries will have to pay a cash deposit that is returned once all stay conditions are met.

How the deposit works and the new amounts

In the pilot that began in August 2025, the deposit levels were $5 k, $10 k and $15 k, depending on the risk assessment. Today the floor is $10 k, the median $15 k, and the ceiling $20 k. The exact figure is set by the consular officer during the interview, based on the applicant’s financial situation and the perceived risk.

• $10 k – used when the officer believes the applicant cannot afford a larger sum.
• $15 k – the baseline amount that will be assigned to most applicants.
• $20 k – applied when the risk of non‑return is judged to be high.

The deposit is fully refunded if the visa holder leaves the United States on time, does not breach status, and uses only commercial airports for entry and exit. Any other point of entry – for example land or sea borders, charter flights – is excluded from the program, and the deposit will not be returned in those cases.

Who falls under the new rule

The list of countries whose citizens must provide a mandatory deposit is published on the official U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov). It includes roughly fifty states, most of them in Africa, plus a handful in Central Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The main criteria are a high “no‑return” rate, insufficient migration data exchange, and cases of citizenship‑for‑sale without proper vetting.

Russia is not on that list, so holders of a Russian passport do not face the deposit requirement directly. There is a catch, though: some Russians acquire citizenship from Caribbean nations (e.g., Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica) to simplify U.S. travel. Those countries are on the list, meaning their passport holders are subject to the new conditions regardless of birthplace.

How to prepare for the visa

1. Check the current country list. It can change, and new states are added at least 15 days before the rule takes effect. The State Department site is the only reliable source.
2. Assess your financial readiness. If you come from a high‑risk country, be prepared to show proof of the amount that might be required – a bank statement, a certificate of deposit, or a similar document usually suffices.
3. Plan your itinerary through major airports. Since the deposit is returned only when commercial airports are used, verify early which airports serve your flights.
4. Respect the allowed stay period. Overstaying automatically forfeits the deposit, so schedule your departure well in advance.
5. Prepare explanations for the consular officer. If your finances are limited, think ahead about how to argue for a lower deposit amount.

What to keep in mind while traveling

• The refund is processed after the visa conditions are verified. Usually this is done via bank transfer, but timing can vary.
• Status violations (unauthorised work, studying without an F‑1 visa, etc.) also lead to loss of the deposit. Stick strictly to the limits listed on a B‑1/B‑2 visa.
• If you travel on an “investment” passport, check whether your country appears on the list. If it does, you’ll have to pay the deposit even if you were born in Russia.
• The country list can change. Keep an eye on updates at travel.state.gov, especially if your trip is months away.

Practical tip from the author

In my view, the simplest way to avoid extra costs is to file your visa application from a country that isn’t on the list. If you already hold a passport from a listed state, gather your financial documents early and be ready to discuss the deposit amount with the consular officer. Remember, the deposit isn’t a fine – it’s a guarantee that you’ll return home.

So, as of August 3 2026, the U.S. visa deposit is a permanent element of the tourist and business visa process for citizens of certain countries. The sums have risen, but the refund rules stay the same: respect the stay limits, use commercial airports, and don’t breach your status, and your money will come back in full.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.