New U.S. Immigration Proposal Could Require Over ₱6 Million Bond, Limit Student Visa Stays

The U.S. State Department is considering a proposal to require certain green card applicants processing their immigrant visas at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad to post a $100,000 refundable bond.

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the proposal is intended to ensure that immigrants "contribute to our society more than they take from it."

Under the proposal, family members already living in the United States could pay the bond on behalf of the applicant. The money would be refunded only after the applicant becomes a U.S. citizen, a process that typically takes at least five years after obtaining lawful permanent resident status.

Reports also indicate that the program may first be piloted in selected countries, with the bond amount potentially varying depending on the applicant.

At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a new public charge rule that will take effect on September 18. Under the policy, immigration officers will have broader authority to deny green card applications from individuals who have received government benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), or housing assistance if they are considered likely to become dependent on government assistance in the future.

As of now, the U.S. State Department has not made a final decision on whether to implement the proposed $100,000 bond requirement, and officials are continuing to evaluate the policy.

Separately, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule ending the long-standing "duration of status" policy for F-1 international students. Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 students will be admitted to the United States for a fixed period based on the length of their academic program listed on their Form I-20, up to a maximum of four years, plus a 30-day grace period before their program and a 30-day grace period after its completion.

Students who need more time to complete their studies, begin a new program, or participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT must apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or leave the United States and obtain a new period of admission upon reentry.

Current F-1 students who were admitted under the old duration of status system before September 15, 2026, may remain in the United States until the program end date listed on their Form I-20 or until the completion of their OPT or STEM OPT, but no later than November 14, 2030.

The final rule also establishes new procedures for changing education levels, changing majors, transferring to another school, and the departure period following the completion of a program of study.