The United States is expanding a controversial visa policy that will require some travellers from 50 countries to deposit up to $15,000 before entering the country — a move that comes as global competition for AI talent is accelerating. 

The Trump administration said it will add 12 new countries — Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia — to an existing list of 38 nations already subject to the rule. The expanded policy takes effect on April 2. 

A U.S. State Department official told Reuters the programme is designed to reduce visa overstays, saying the requirement will apply to applicants seeking B1/B2 visas for business and tourism. Under the rules, eligible travellers must post a bond of up to $15,000, which is refundable if they comply with the terms of their stay.   

“The aim is to prevent visitors from overstaying their visas,” the official said, adding that the policy has already helped reduce overstay rates. 

While the visa bond programme is framed as an immigration enforcement tool, its expansion comes at a time when access to global talent is becoming a defining factor in the race to build and scale artificial intelligence. 

Short-term visas like B1/B2 are often used by founders, engineers, and researchers to attend conferences, meet partners, explore opportunities, or begin relationships that later lead to jobs, funding, or relocation. Increasing the financial barrier to entry — particularly for applicants from emerging markets — could make those early interactions more difficult. 

That matters because much of the next wave of AI talent is expected to come from outside the United States. 

The policy also highlights a widening gap in how countries are approaching the same challenge. 

As the U.S. adds new layers of friction to short-term entry, other countries are actively lowering barriers. Canada, the UK, and several Gulf states have introduced fast-track visas and residency programmes designed specifically to attract high-skill workers in areas like AI and software engineering. 

In that context, ease of movement is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage — not just for individuals, but for entire tech ecosystems. 

The U.S. has long benefited from being a global hub for talent, particularly in technology. Many of its leading AI companies and research institutions were built with contributions from international workers who first engaged with the ecosystem through short-term travel. 

The visa bond programme does not block entry outright, but it introduces a new layer of cost and uncertainty. Paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements. 

For some, that may simply be an inconvenience. For others—especially early-stage founders, independent developers, or researchers—it could be enough to shift where they choose to go. 

The expansion of the visa bond programme is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls, including increased visa scrutiny and enforcement measures. 

Supporters argue the policy strengthens border security and reduces overstays. Critics, including human rights groups cited by Reuters, say such measures risk limiting access and due process. 

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TechloyDavid Adubiina