US Visa Update 2025 - What South African travelers need to know

As of August 29, 2025, three items stand out for prospective US visa applicants: (1) expanded social media screening for F, M, and J categories; (2) a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025; and (3) a limited B1/B2 visa bond pilot requiring some nationals from select countries to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. South African citizens are not on the current bond list.

1) Social media screening

  • Scope: The State Department announced expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants in June 2025. For students and exchange visitors (F, M, J), consulates may ask for social media identifiers used in the last five years. Some posts also instruct applicants to adjust privacy settings so profiles can be reviewed.
  • Practical notes: Be accurate and consistent when listing handles. Do not share passwords. Follow instructions on the specific embassy or consulate website where you apply.

2) $250 Visa Integrity Fee (starts Oct 1, 2025)

  • What it is: A new $250 fee connected to nonimmigrant visa issuance, separate from the standard MRV fee.
  • Who pays and when: Based on current guidance, most nonimmigrant visa applicants whose visas are issued on or after Oct 1, 2025 should budget for this fee. Implementation details continue to be clarified by official and legal advisories.

3) Visa bond pilot at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000

  • Effective dates and countries: A one year pilot begins Aug 20, 2025 for certain B1/B2 applicants from select countries. As of now, Malawi and Zambia are covered under the pilot. South Africa is not on the list.
  • How it works: If a consular officer instructs an applicant to post a bond, payment is made via Pay.gov after the interview. The bond is refundable if the terms are met. Paying a bond does not guarantee a visa.

Timeline at a glance

  • Jun 18, 2025: State Department announces expanded screening and vetting measures for visa applicants.
  • Aug 5, 2025: Temporary final rule published establishing the visa bond pilot. Pilot effective Aug 20, 2025.
  • Oct 1, 2025: $250 Visa Integrity Fee scheduled to take effect for most nonimmigrant visa issuances.

What South African applicants should do now

  • Check the website of the US Embassy or Consulate where you will apply and follow its instructions precisely.
  • Prepare an accurate list of social media identifiers used in the last five years. Do not share passwords.
  • Budget for the standard MRV fee and, if your case will be issued on or after Oct 1, 2025, the additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee.
  • Confirm appointment wait times regularly, as they change by post and season.

Editor's note: This report reflects official notices available as of Aug 29, 2025. Always rely on the specific guidance of the US embassy or consulate where you apply.