U.S. State Department launches immigrant visa bond pilot program in Dominican Republic

The U.S. State Department has selected the Dominican Republic as the first pilot country for a new measure that could require certain immigrant visa applicants to post a financial bond if officials determine they may become a public charge.

State Department spokesperson Natalia Molano said the policy is not a new law but an additional tool used during the visa review process. Consular officers will evaluate each applicant individually, considering factors such as financial resources, medical information, and supporting documents before deciding whether a bond is necessary and determining its amount.

According to Molano, applicants who meet all immigration requirements and receive permanent residency could have the bond returned after five years if they do not receive certain U.S. government financial assistance during that period.

She emphasized that the measure will not affect people who already have an approved immigrant visa stamped in their passport.

Molano also clarified that the Dominican Republic is not included in a separate program that requires bonds of up to US$20,000 for certain non-immigrant visas, such as tourist or business visas.

She urged applicants to rely only on official U.S. government information, complete all forms accurately, disclose relevant medical or personal circumstances during the application process, and be wary of promises of expedited immigration procedures, noting that residency cases can take months or even years to process.