America slips further out of reach for many aspiring Nepalis

For a country with a per capita income of just $1,500, a $20,000 refundable visa bond is a formidable financial challenge for Nepalis hoping to visit the US.

Eva Bhattarai (name changed on request) had hoped to travel to the United States for one simple reason: To attend her daughter’s graduation in 2027. However, a new US State Department rule requiring some B1/B2 visa applicants to deposit a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before traveling has left that wish out of reach.