U.S. Visa Issuance Drops by 11% Amid Stricter Immigration Policies

Visa issuance by the United States has declined by 11% compared to previous years following the introduction of stricter immigration policies and multiple new restrictions on foreign applicants, according to recent reports.

The measures include expanded travel bans on several countries, the introduction of visa bond requirements, suspension of visa interviews in certain locations, and tighter eligibility conditions for visa applicants—policies that were not in place before 2024.

Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicates that in the first eight months of 2025, around 84,000 visa applications from India and China were not approved. Officials attribute this decline to reduced interest in student visas and H-1B work visas from these countries, particularly after the imposition of a $100,000 fee on H-1B applicants, which has significantly lowered demand in this category.

The report also highlights that staffing shortages at U.S. consular offices worldwide have contributed to delays in visa interview scheduling, further slowing down the visa processing system.

In addition, ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to conflicts involving Iran have prompted the United States to issue a global travel advisory, urging caution for international travelers. The situation has also affected global aviation routes, with airlines forced to reroute flights due to restricted airspaces.

The U.S. government is also preparing to implement a visa bond program starting April 2 for travelers from 50 countries. Under this policy, applicants for B-1/B-2 tourist visas may be required to pay a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to ensure compliance with visa conditions and prevent overstays. The program, initially applied to 38 countries, has since been expanded to include an additional 12 nations.

According to Homeland Security, overall immigration levels to the United States declined in 2025, while emigration from the country reportedly exceeded incoming migration, reflecting the impact of evolving immigration policies.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has introduced an incentive program encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States. Under this initiative, individuals from countries such as India, China, and Colombia may receive up to $2,600 in financial assistance along with free airfare if they choose to return to their home countries voluntarily. The program is part of broader efforts to manage undocumented migration through incentives rather than enforcement alone.

U.S. authorities have also announced that immigrant visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals has been temporarily suspended. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka stated that the decision is linked to concerns over the higher usage of public welfare benefits by some immigrant groups. The suspension aims to allow a review of verification procedures to ensure that immigration policies align with the interests of U.S. taxpayers.

However, the embassy clarified that the suspension applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas, including tourist and student visas, remain unaffected by the measure.