What Canadians Need to Know About the New U.S. Visa Bond Program

Travel to the United States from Canada may soon become more complicated and expensive for some individuals. In a recent policy update, the U.S. State Department announced a new visa program that could require certain visitors to pay a significant sum before entering the country. Accordingly, this move is part of a broader governmental effort to monitor and reduce visa overstays, especially via the newly introduced U.S. visa bond program.

What the Pilot Program Entails

The U.S. State Department published a notice in the Federal Register outlining a new 12-month visa bond pilot program that could affect future international travelers, including some from Canada. Set to begin on August 20, the program applies to certain nationals seeking B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visas. Consequently, those affected may be asked to post a bond ranging between $5,000 USD and $15,000 USD—translating to over $20,000 CAD at the higher end.

• Bond Amounts: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 USD based on the assessment of the applicant
• Duration: 12-month pilot program running until August 5, 2026
• Purpose: To deter overstays and encourage better screening procedures by foreign governments

Who Might Be Affected?

Although Canada is not a part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), Canadian citizens typically do not require a visa for business or tourism visits lasting less than six months. However, this policy might affect Canadian permanent residents (PRs) and immigrants from countries that the U.S. considers high-risk based on their overstay rates or inadequate vetting processes. As a result, the implications of the U.S. visa bond will likely be more relevant to these groups.

• Canadian Citizens: Unlikely to be required to pay the bond due to visa-free travel allowance
• Canadian Permanent Residents: May need to apply for a visa and potentially pay the bond, depending on their country of origin
• Visa Waiver Exclusion: Citizens of VWP countries are automatically exempt from the bond requirement

Why This Change Is Happening

This initiative aligns with Executive Order 14159, reinforcing a strict immigration stance by expanding expedited removal and seeking greater accountability from foreign governments. By assigning financial risk to potential overstayers, the U.S. hopes to curb unauthorized extensions of stay and bolster national security efforts. Moreover, it forces foreign governments to improve documentation and vetting practices.

• Diplomatic Strategy: Pressure on foreign governments to improve domestic travel documentation and vetting systems
• Overstay Concern: Targeting countries with historically high overstaying rates
• National Security: Part of a broader immigration reform effort

Additional Considerations for Canadian Travelers

This change follows the recent introduction of a $350 CAD “Visa Integrity Fee” and new entry requirements mandating that Canadians staying longer than 30 days complete an alien registration form and undergo fingerprinting. Not only do these changes increase costs, but they also add new procedural hurdles. Consequently, Canadian-based individuals planning U.S. travel must prepare thoroughly, and they may benefit from consulting legal advisors.

• New Requirements: Alien registration and biometric fingerprinting for stays over 30 days
• Additional Cost: $350 CAD Visa Integrity Fee for certain applicants
• Pre-travel Advice: Canadian PRs and dual nationals should consult immigration experts

As the U.S. continues to update its visa and entry policies, travelers from Canada—especially permanent residents and immigrants—are urged to stay informed and review upcoming regulations that could significantly impact their travel plans. To that end, the U.S. visa bond initiative serves as a reminder for travelers to remain vigilant about changing border requirements.

More…

• https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/visa-bond-pilot-program
• https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-could-require-up-15000-bonds-some-tourist-visas-under-pilot-program-2025-08-04
• https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/05/2025-14826/visas-visa-bond-pilot-program
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/fords-highway-401-tunnel-plan-inspired-by-private-sector-proposals-documents-reveal