The newly introduced hiked fee is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with U.S. immigration regulations, particularly adherence to the authorised duration of stay and timely departure from the United States.
Kampala, Uganda: Ugandans applying for United States B1/B2 business and tourist visas will now be required to pay a hefty commitment fee of up to USD 15,000 (about Shs55 million), following a new compliance measure introduced by U.S. immigration authorities.
Under the new rule, Ugandan applicants may be directed by a U.S. consular officer to pay a “commitment to non-violation of visa terms” fee, ranging between USD 5,000 and USD 15,000, depending on an individual risk assessment conducted during the visa adjudication process.
The fee is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with U.S. immigration regulations, particularly adherence to the authorised duration of stay and timely departure from the United States.
According to the guidelines, the commitment fee must be paid directly to the United States government, with no agents, middlemen or third parties involved in the transaction.
U.S. authorities say the amount is refundable, provided the visa holder exits the United States on or before the date indicated on the visa stamp and is verified to have complied fully with all visa conditions. The refund, however, will only be processed after confirmation of non-violation of the visa terms.
The new requirement is separate from and in addition to the standard B1/B2 visa application fee, substantially raising the upfront cost for Ugandans intending to travel to the U.S. for tourism, family visits or short-term business engagements.
Although U.S. authorities have not publicly detailed the specific criteria used to determine who is subjected to the commitment fee, the policy is widely viewed as part of broader efforts by the United States government to curb visa overstays and strengthen immigration compliance.
The development is expected to spark concern among prospective travellers, tour operators, students transitioning from visitor status, and the business community, given the high financial threshold now attached to short-term travel to the United States.
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