For decades, the dream of visiting the United States has been a shared aspiration for many in Nepal, whether for education, business, or to witness a child’s graduation. However, a significant shift in American immigration policy is adding a heavy financial layer to that dream. Nepal has recently been added to a list of 38 countries whose citizens may be required to pay a “Visa Bond” to enter the U.S..
A New Price for a Visit
Starting January 21, Nepali applicants for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas may find themselves facing a new requirement. Depending on the outcome of their visa interview, travelers might be asked to post a security deposit of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. This “Visa Bond” system, which also includes nations like Venezuela, Cuba, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, aims to ensure that visitors return home rather than overstaying their welcome.
While paying the bond is a requirement if requested by a consular officer, it does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. If a traveler follows all the rules and leaves the U.S. on time, the money is intended to be returned; however, those who overstay or seek asylum will likely forfeit the funds.
Why Nepal and Why Now?
The Trump administration has framed this policy as a pillar of national security, designed to fix perceived flaws in how the U.S. monitors and vets immigrants. According to official data, the U.S. deported 462 Nepalis in 2025, and American officials have expressed concerns about “overstay” trends among temporary visitors.
However, some experts suggest the reasons might be more complex than simple paperwork. Diplomat Dinesh Bhattarai notes that geopolitical factors could be at play, suggesting the U.S. might be wary of Nepal’s political shifts or its close ties with northern neighbors. Others, like migration expert Keshav Bashyal, worry that Nepal’s internal economic struggles and youth unemployment make the U.S. skeptical of whether visitors truly intend to return.
The Human Impact
The weight of this policy will likely be felt most by ordinary families. Nepal is currently the sixth-largest sender of international students to the U.S., with nearly 25,000 students currently enrolled in American institutions.
- For Students: While students themselves may have different requirements, their parents—who often save for years to attend a graduation—may now find the financial hurdle of a $15,000 bond impossible to clear.
- For the Nation: Experts warn that being placed on such a list could tarnish Nepal’s international image, painting its citizens as high-risk travelers.
- For Travelers: While some believe the high cost won’t deter those truly determined to go, it undoubtedly makes the journey more exclusive and expensive.
A Changing Landscape
With approximately 225,000 people of Nepali origin currently living in the U.S., the ties between the two nations are deep and historic. Yet, as the “Visa Bond” policy takes effect, the path between these “sky-high neighbors” feels a little steeper. For many, the journey to the land of opportunity now requires not just a passport and a dream, but a significant bank balance to prove one’s intent to return home.
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