US triples visa bond list, 38 nations face up to $15K fee
The US State Department has nearly tripled the number of countries whose citizens must pay a visa bond of up to $15,000. The new rules, effective 21 January 2026, target 38 nations.
Category : Search result: State Department visa rules
US triples list of nations subject to $15k visa bonds
The Trump administration has expanded its visa bond scheme to 38 countries, requiring travellers to post bonds of up to $15,000. The move makes US visas unaffordable for many.
US triples visa bond list, demands up to $15,000
The Trump administration expands its visa bond programme to 38 countries, requiring payments of up to $15,000. The move makes US visas unaffordable for many. Read the full list of affected nations.
Seven Countries Face New US Visa Bond Requirement
The Trump administration adds Bhutan, Botswana and five other nations to a list requiring passport holders to post bonds up to $15,000 for US visa applications. Learn the full details.
Bulgaria's First Digital Nomad Visa Opens for Applications
Bulgaria has officially launched its inaugural digital nomad visa, offering a new route for remote professionals. Learn the eligibility criteria, income requirements, and application process.
US Mandates Facial Recognition for Foreign Travellers
The US has launched a sweeping new policy requiring facial biometric data from all noncitizens entering and leaving the country. The move aims to combat visa fraud and illegal immigration. Read the full details.
US Creates 300,000 Apprenticeships, Targets 1 Million
The US Department of Labor has launched nearly 300,000 new apprenticeships this year, aiming for one million. The initiative focuses on trades, tech, and new sectors like law enforcement. Read more.
US Overhauls H-1B Visa System, Ends Random Lottery
The Trump administration replaces the H-1B visa lottery with a wage-based selection system, prioritising higher-paid foreign workers. The new rules take effect in February 2026.
Trump recalls 30 ambassadors in diplomatic shake-up
The Trump administration has recalled nearly 30 senior diplomats, a move critics call a purge of the professional foreign service. Read the full analysis of this unprecedented diplomatic reshuffle.
Trump's DoJ Releases Epstein Files on Deadline
The US Justice Department has published thousands of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigations. Explore the details and political fallout of this long-awaited release.
Visa rules eased for foreign prison officers until 2027
The UK government introduces a temporary visa exemption for overseas prison officers to prevent a staffing crisis. New salary thresholds will be phased in to maintain safety.
Iran Boycotts World Cup Draw in US Visa Protest
Iran will boycott the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC after the US granted visas to only four delegation members, excluding the football federation president. FIFA is investigating.
US Prioritises Visas for Major Sporting Event Fans
The Trump administration orders embassies to expedite visas for 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics attendees while imposing new restrictions on H-1B applicants linked to online censorship. Read the latest.
Iran to attend World Cup draw after visa dispute
Iran's football federation reverses boycott decision for the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. Head coach attends, but president's visa was denied. Read the full diplomatic and sporting clash.
50,000 Student Visa Appeals Swamp Australian Tribunal
Australia's Administrative Review Tribunal faces a backlog of nearly 50,000 student visa appeals, driven by tougher rules and a focus on permanent residency over study. Read the full analysis.
Record 80,000 British Backpackers Head to Australia
Nearly 80,000 young Brits seized Australian working holiday visas last year, a record surge driven by new relaxed rules and the UK's cost of living crisis. Discover the trend.
Visa spelling error costs tourist £400 at airport
An Australian holidaymaker's dream trip to Vietnam turned into a £378 nightmare after a simple typo on her e-Visa. Discover how to avoid this costly travel mistake.
State Pension deferral can boost income by £700 a year
Brits nearing retirement can boost their State Pension by nearly £700 annually by deferring claims. Discover if this little-known DWP option is right for you.
Passenger Denied Boarding Over Hong Kong Transit Rules
A traveller was barred from her flight due to a confusing transit rule in Hong Kong, highlighting the perils of booking separate airline tickets. Discover how to avoid this travel nightmare.
US Education Department dismantled amid staff outrage
Trump administration transfers key education programmes to other agencies as staff describe complete loss of morale and chaotic working conditions. Read the full investigation.
Migration Agent Exposes Partner Visa Fraud Epidemic
A veteran migration agent reveals shocking partner visa scams exploiting vulnerable Australian women, with organised networks flooding the system while authorities fail to act.
UK's biggest migration overhaul in 50 years announced
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reveals the UK's most significant legal migration reforms in half a century, prioritising high earners and NHS workers while extending settlement waits for benefit claimants.
US Education Dept Dismantled as Trump Pushes Closure
The Trump administration is accelerating its plan to shut down the US Education Department, transferring major grant programmes to other agencies. Discover the implications.
UK Net Migration 40,000 Higher Than First Thought
Revised ONS data shows UK net migration peaked at 944,000 in 2023, higher than previous estimates. New figures also reveal a sharper decline to 345,000 in 2024. Explore the full analysis.
US slaps visa restrictions on Nicaraguan travel firms
The United States imposes new visa restrictions on Nicaraguan travel agencies and transport companies for enabling illegal immigration. Discover the full details.
Reform UK Immigration Plans Threaten NHS Doctors' Future
An emergency medicine doctor who worked through Covid fears deportation under Reform UK's proposed visa rules. Discover how skilled migrants face uncertainty over their UK futures.
Justice Dept Sues Georgia Over 2020 Election
The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Georgia, alleging discriminatory voting practices during the 2020 elections. Discover the details and implications.
Government drops 35-hour job search rule for benefits
The UK Government is ditching the rigid 35-hour weekly job search requirement for benefit claimants. Discover how the new 'Pathfinder' scheme aims for a more personalised approach to welfare.
Major MOT Test Changes Proposed for UK Drivers
Millions of British motorists could soon benefit from significant changes to MOT testing rules, with proposals to extend first test deadlines and introduce new technology to improve road safety.
UK immigration shake-up threatens indefinite leave to remain
Exclusive: Major changes to UK settlement rules could force migrants to reapply every 30 months, creating uncertainty and financial strain for families and skilled workers.
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