## Public-Charge Bond Pilot Begins for Selected Immigrant Visa Applicants
Summary: The Department of State has begun a pilot that allows consular officers to require selected immigrant visa applicants to apply for a public-charge bond with USCIS.
A public-charge decision concerns likely reliance on public assistance. Under the pilot, an applicant denied an immigrant visa on that ground may submit evidence showing they are not likely to become a public charge. If a required bond is approved, the visa may issue if all other requirements are met.
This is not a general program that applicants can start on their own. The State Department says the process currently applies to select cases, and affected applicants will be notified by a consular officer. USCIS similarly says Form I-945 may be filed only after the applicant is invited to post a bond; USCIS will reject an unsolicited filing. The bond amount is set case by case. This policy change does not affect a currently valid visa.
What This Means for You - Key Point 1: A public-charge bond is a case-specific option after official notice, not a form to file preemptively. - Who Should Be Concerned: Immigrant visa applicants abroad who receive a public-charge denial or a consular notice requiring a bond. - Timeline for Action: Act promptly if notified by a consular officer; no immediate deadline applies to applicants who have not received notice. - Next Steps: Preserve the consular notice, gather financial and supporting evidence, and obtain individualized legal advice before responding or arranging a bond.
For immigration news 2026, these visa updates show that consular processing and policy changes may now include a bond path in selected cases. Sources: Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/public-charge-bonds-for-immigrant-visa-applicants.html. USCIS Form I-945 guidance: https://www.uscis.gov/i-945.