US Visa Deposit for Applicants Under 18 Set at $5,000 – Embassy Clarifies

Within the framework of the “Visa Bond Pilot Program,” the visa deposit amount for Georgian citizens under the age of 18 traveling with a parent or legal guardian has been set at $5,000.

According to the U.S. Embassy, starting from April 2 of this year, all Georgian applicants approved for a B1/B2 (tourist/business) visa are required to pay a bond. While the amount for minors is set at $5,000, all other adult applicants are required to pay a $10,000 deposit.

In addition to the financial obligation, the embassy also clarified restrictions related to visa validity. Specifically, citizens of all countries participating in the visa bond pilot program who qualify for a B1/B2 visa will only receive a single-entry visa. Furthermore, entry into the United States using this visa is permitted only within three months from the date of issuance.

The U.S. Embassy urges applicants to rely only on verified sources of information. The embassy emphasized that the U.S. government is the sole official source of information related to visa applications.

For reference, the visa bond pilot program, which was extended to Georgian citizens on April 2, was introduced in response to high rates of visa overstays in the United States and to prevent violations of immigration regulations.

Under the program mechanism, after visa approval, the applicant pays the required deposit amount. If the traveler complies fully with visa conditions and leaves the United States before the permitted stay expires, the deposited amount ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000) is fully refunded.

However, if a visitor violates visa regulations and remains in the U.S. illegally, the deposit is confiscated and retained by the U.S. government.