US State Department Requires Visa Bonds in Dominican Republic

The United States Department of State launched a pilot program on August 5, 2026, requiring certain immigrant visa applicants from the Dominican Republic to post financial bonds. The initiative targets individuals deemed likely to become a public charge, meaning they may depend on government-funded medical programs or welfare. Consular officers evaluate applicants based on assets, income, health, and education to determine if a bond is necessary.

Bond amounts are set on a case-by-case basis, with a legal minimum of $1,000 and some current assessments ranging between $100,000 and $250,000. These bonds are processed through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and may be canceled after five years if the immigrant does not receive long-term institutional care or public cash assistance.

Officials selected the Dominican Republic for the pilot due to the high volume of visa operations at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. The State Department indicated the program may expand to other countries in the future. This measure follows a separate permanent program that requires non-immigrant visa applicants from 50 countries, including Nigeria, to post $20,000 bonds to discourage visa overstays.