Pakistan, Aug. 1 -- The United States will make its visa bond program permanent for applicants from 50 countries, according to a federal notice. The policy may require some business and tourism visa applicants to provide bonds of up to $20,000. The measure aims to improve visa compliance.

The State Department said consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post bonds before receiving visas. The rule applies to B1 and B2 visas used for business and tourism travel. Officials will decide requirements on individual cases.

Read more: US tightens student visa rules nationwide

The program follows a 2025 pilot project involving the State Department, Homeland Security Department, and Treasury Department. Officials sai...