President Trump announced the daring rescue of a downed American service member shot down over Iran, calling it one of the most daring operations in U.S. history. The "SAFE and SOUND" Colonel was recovered after being stranded behind enemy lines
Amid concerns that Indian news channels were sensationalising the conflict in West Asia, the Union government on March 6 directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council to suspend the publication of Television Rating Points for at least a month
The Ramayana is one of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics of India, alongside the Mahabharata. New Delhi: The Ramayana, one of India’s most revered epics, continues to offer timeless lessons that remain relevant even today. Traditionally attributed to sage Valmiki
Hrithik Roshan has urged audiences to "debate with awareness" following the mixed reactions to the VFX in the teaser for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Mumbai: Days after netizens reacted with mixed opinions to the first teaser of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Ramayana
Global developments continued to dictate market direction, particularly the evolving US-Iran conflict, which kept crude oil prices volatile and elevated. New Delhi: The Indian stock markets appear to be transitioning into a consolidation phase with high volatility and low visibility
US new visa bond rules targets high overstay nations, Will Indians be affected?
The United States has revised the list of nations whose nationals must post a visa bond in order to enter the country. The Visa Bond Pilot Program is applicable to foreign citizens of nations with high visa overstay rates, foreign nationals seeking for temporary tourist visas, and foreign nationals enrolled in Citizenship by Investment programs.
The US has implemented visa bonds for short-term tourists. Before visa approval, travelers are required to pay a bond of up to $15,000, which will be decided by the consulate officials.
The Department of State has launched a 12-month pilot program for visa bonds. The trial program for visa bonds will run from August 20, 2025, to August 5, 2026.
The pilot program may be applicable to foreign nationals who seek visas as temporary visitors for either work or leisure (B-1/B-2) and who are citizens of nations identified by the department.
Every visa holder who has posted a bond is required by law to enter and depart the US via Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Also Read: Trump to find himself at crossroads as new poll reveals 60% of voters don't think US needs more H1B visa workers
If the candidate complies with the requirements of both the visa bond and their non-immigrant visa status, the whole sum of the bond will be reimbursed.
These conditions are specified on the bond form (Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 Immigration Bonds) and on Travel.State.Gov. In the following scenarios, the bond will be instantly terminated and the money will be refunded.
The visa holder leaves the US on or before the date they are permitted to stay there; or
The visa holder does not go to the US before the visa expiration date; or
At the point of entry into the US, the visa holder requests entry but gets rejected.
A visa overstay is classified as “a nonimmigrant who was lawfully admitted to the United States for an authorized period but stayed in the United States beyond their authorized admission period.”
The three nations now on the visa bond list are: The Gambia (added on October 11, 2025), Malawi and Zambia (both included on August 20, 2025).
The study states that Malawi's B1/B2 Overstay Rates for FY 2023 were 4.17% (by air and sea) and 14.32% (by land). The overstay rate for students on F-1 Study, M, and J visas visiting the United States was 19.71%. Overstay rates are higher than 10% even in Zambia.
The overstay rate in the Gambia was 18.6% for all categories and 38.79% for the B1/B2 category.
In contrast, India registered 3,822 overstays in 2023, resulting in a 1.58% overall overstay rate. The overstay rate was 1.29% for B1/B2 visas.
Any citizen or national flying on a passport issued by one of these nations who is deemed otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa as of August 20, 2025, is required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, as decided at the time of the visa interview.
Using the Department of the Treasury's online payment portal Pay.gov, the candidate must submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 attesting to the bond's conditions. This criterion is applicable regardless of the application's location.
Source: Hindustan Times
Related Posts: U.S. nearly triples list of countries whose citizens must post bonds up to $15 The United Nations is 80 Germany calls for united response from European nations to US United Nations slams United Nations declares famine in northern Gaza United States is being too complacent about Iran and oil prices Indian student who went missing six days ago in United States found dead Why are calls growing for a global boycott of the United States United States says it struck Islamic State terror camp in Nigeria Who Replaces Iran At FIFA World Cup In United States
April 5 Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot readings reveal about people born on this dayIf your birthday falls on April 5, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot Published on: Apr 05, 2026 11:00 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on April 5
1 hours ago
Indian-American congressional candidate cops backlash from both sides for Hindi videoJay Vaingankar's campaign video in Hindi has drawn criticism from both Americans and the desi community. Updated on: Apr 05, 2026 9:40 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link An Indian-American congressional
1 hours ago
7 High-Protein Snacks for Office Desk: Tasty 4PM Hunger Solutions for a More Productive AfternoonThese 7 high-protein office snacks help beat 4PM hunger with healthy ingredients that keep energy steady during work. Updated on: Apr 05, 2026 10:50 AM IST By Tarishi Shrivastava Share via Copy link A
1 hours ago
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar economic engine, contributing significantly to India's economy and redefining the business of sport, according to a recent report by Kotak Mutual Fund. The report noted that the IPL ecosystem is currently valued at around USD
1 hours ago
Reports suggest that India was the only country to hold its ground and asserted that the IFD agreement could weaken WTO’s core principles. New Delhi: India has asserted itself at the international trade table, making it clear that it will not compromise on its principles
1 hours ago
Iran's central military command on Saturday (April 4, 206) rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to destroy the country's vital infrastructure if it does not accept a peace deal within 48 hours. General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, in a statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters
1 hours ago
US Israel Iran News Day 37: The Iran-Israel conflict intensifies on its 37th day. Iran attacks Kuwait and Israel faces missile threats from multiple directions. Strikes inside Iran cause civilian casualties. Former US President Trump issues an ultimatum which Iran rejects
1 hours ago
Hours after rumours about the health of US President Donald Trump spread online, similar speculation quickly turned towards former President Joe Biden on Saturday. Posts circulating on X claimed that Biden had been hospitalised at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or was dealing with
1 hours ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Kerala that the government has ensured 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, and aims to implement it from 2029. He announced that Parliament will reconvene from April 16 to 18 to take forward the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
1 hours ago
A search is under way for a missing crew member after a US F-15 fighter jet flying over southern Iran was shot down on Friday. One of two crew members was rescued by US forces, but the search for the second continues, US media report. Iranian officials said the warplane was shot down by its air
1 hours ago
The war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has sent shockwaves across international energy markets. With the Strait of Hormuz closed, countries across the world are facing fuel shortages. India has managed to secure its oil and gas tankers
1 hours ago
Come summer, mangoes take over our plates, but there’s always one question: should you eat them raw or ripe? While both are delicious, they offer very different health benefits. The answer isn’t about choosing one over the other; it is about knowing what your body needs.Come summer
1 hours ago
Cucumber Mint Lemonade Recipe: Zero Sugar Summer Cooler for Refreshing Hydration and Natural Detox DrinkCucumber mint lemonade is a zero sugar summer cooler made with cucumber, mint, and lemon for hydration and freshness. Published on: Apr 05
1 hours ago
Majuli islanders anticipate the completion of new bridges connecting them to mainland Assam, hoping for improved access to healthcare and easier travel. While welcoming development, residents also express concerns about potential influx of outsiders impacting the island's unique cultural and
1 hours ago
‘Nobody praised my hard work’: Microsoft employee on role of luck in corporate successA Microsoft employee said success needed both hard work and luck. Published on: Apr 05, 2026 10:25 AM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A woman working at Microsoft’s Hyderabad office has
1 hours ago
After finishing last in 2025, Chennai Super Kings rang in major changes to its squad ahead of this season. However, the fortunes haven’t changed on the field for the five-time champion, which suffered its second straight defeat of IPL-19 against Punjab Kings in Chennai on Friday (April 3, 2026)
1 hours ago
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has established a comprehensive framework designed to revitalize the nation’s long-format cricket capabilities over the coming decade. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has established a comprehensive framework designed to revitalize
1 hours ago
US President Donald Trump has threatened that "all hell would rain down on" Iran if it did not make a deal, an ultimatum that Tehran has rejected. Senior Iranian military officer, Gen Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, echoed Trump's rhetoric, saying "the gates of hell will open for you"
1 hours ago
IDBI Bank reported double-digit growth across key business parameters for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The bank’s total business rose 14% year-on-year to ₹6 lakh crore, compared with ₹5.29 lakh crore in the year-ago period. Total deposits increased 12% year-on-year to ₹3.47 lakh crore
1 hours ago
The official trailer for Toaster, a dark comedy starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, was released today. Mumbai: Netflix has dropped the official trailer of its upcoming dark comedy 'Toaster,' offering a glimpse into a chaotic narrative where frugality spirals into absurdity
1 hours ago
States that have stabilised their populations will not lose their Lok Sabha seats during delimitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at an election rally in Kerala on Saturday. All states will benefit from a proposed increase in the size of the Lower House of Parliament, he said in Thiruvalla
1 hours ago
Easter is a festival to indulge in delicious treat that can be quickly made at home and enjoyed with family and loved ones. These Mini Egg Brownie cookies are the perfect Easter treat for chocolate lovers who want bakery‑style indulgence at home. These rich
1 hours ago
Iran is expected to have around 500 kg of uranium enriched to 60%. U-235 is the isotope of uranium conventionally used in nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors. Enrichment is the process of increasing the quantity of U-235 in the uranium mass. The rest will be U-238
1 hours ago
10 road trips from Bengaluru that are 'under 10 hours and actually feel like a vacation': Wayanad, Ooty to GokarnaWayanad in Kerala to Ooty in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri hills, here is why you should plan your weekend gateways from Bengaluru to these stunning destinations. Published on: Apr 05
1 hours ago
States that have stabilised their populations will not lose their Lok Sabha seats, and all States will benefit from a proposed increase in the size of the House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an election rally in Central Travancore in Kerala
1 hours ago
India’s pharmaceutical exports stood at over $28 billion up to February in the last financial year, registering a growth of more than 5% compared to the same period last year, a top official said on Saturday (April 4, 2026). K. Raja Bhanu, director general of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion
1 hours ago
Bandhan Bank reported double-digit growth in advances and steady deposit accretion for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, according to its provisional business update. The bank’s loans and advances (including on-book and PTC) stood at ₹1.54 lakh crore at the end of the March quarter
1 hours ago
