by Roxanne Thompson

• Permanent US Visa Bond Programme takes effect on 3 August
• Eligible Grenadian applicants may be required to post bonds of US$10,000 to US$20,000
• Refund process can take 2 to 5 months after verified departure

A major shift in United States immigration policy takes effect Monday, 3 August 2026, as the Department of State formally makes its Visa Bond Programme permanent. The rule allows consular officers to require eligible applicants from designated countries, including Grenada, to post visa bonds ranging from US$10,000 to US$20,000 before certain visitor visas are issued.

Under Final Rule 2026-15726, published in the Federal Register, the Department of State has transitioned its 12-month pilot programme into a permanent policy under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Grenada first became subject to the pilot programme on 2 April 2026, when it was added to the list of countries eligible for visa bond requirements.

The programme applies to eligible business and tourist travellers seeking new B-1 and B-2 visitor visas from 50 designated countries identified by the US government as presenting comparatively higher visitor visa overstay rates or other immigration-related concerns, including Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Cuba. Existing valid US visitor visas are not affected, and a bond is only required if a consular officer determines one is necessary as a condition of issuing a new visa.

For Grenadians attending visa interviews at the United States Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, the permanent rule introduces the possibility of significantly higher upfront costs. Because Grenada does not host a US embassy that processes non-immigrant visa applications, applicants generally travel to Barbados for interviews, adding airfare, accommodation and visa application costs before any bond requirement is considered.

While the pilot programme allowed bond amounts starting at US$5,000, the permanent rule raises the minimum to US$10,000, with consular officers able to require bonds up to US$20,000. The bond is separate from the standard visa application fee and, if required, is only paid after a consular officer issues an official bond notice following the interview. Approved bonds must be paid electronically through Pay.gov.

Travellers who comply with the terms of their admission and depart the United States as required are eligible for a full refund of the bond after completing the required claims process, which officials say may take between 2 and 5 months. Those who violate the conditions of the bond, including by overstaying an authorised period of admission, risk forfeiting the entire amount.

For Grenadians planning future travel to the United States, the permanent rule means factoring potential bond payments (alongside existing visa application and travel costs) into their travel plans.

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