politics
May 8, 2026
What will happen to Nicaraguans who already have a 10-year US visa?
New US visa regulations are causing much doubt. This is what 10-year visa holders need to know.
TL;DR
- US announces a pilot program for visa applicants from 50 countries, effective April 2, 2026.
- The program requires a security deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 for B1/B2 visas to prevent travelers from overstaying.
- 10-year visas are no longer issued; instead, 90-day, single-entry visas will be granted, with a maximum stay of one month.
- Failure to return within the 90-day period results in forfeiture of the deposit and potential immigration bans.
- Existing 10-year visas remain valid until expiration; renewals will follow new procedures.
- Deposit payment instructions will be emailed, with a 30-day window to pay via various methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PayPal.
- The deposit is refunded upon departure from the US, with refunds going to the original payer if a third party made the payment.
- Nicaraguans with dual nationality may avoid the deposit if their other country is not part of the 50 participating nations, by using their other passport.