The State Department said its new pilot program is aimed at making sure foreigners don't overstay their visas, by requiring travelers to post bonds.

Covered visa applicants will be required to post a bond of up to $15,000, but the State Department gave consular officers three options for bond amounts: $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. Consular officers can determine the exact amount of the bond “based upon the applicant’s circumstances.”

The U.S. State Department has started a program that will require some visitors to post bonds for as much as $15,000 to obtain a business or tourism visa.