The U.S. State Department will test a bond of up to $250,000 for some immigrant-visa applicants, starting with the Dominican Republic, Vant Bèf Info reported on Monday, citing Diario Libre and the department's Spanish-language spokesperson, Natalia Molano.

The bond could be required when a sponsor's resources are judged too low and the applicant is considered at risk of relying on public assistance. It applies only to cases still being processed, not to people who already have a visa. Consular officers will tell applicants the type and amount of bond case by case.

Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approves the bond, the visa can be issued. After five years, if the person has received no government assistance, the bond is canceled and refunded, according to the spokesperson. The Dominican Republic was picked because of the number of residence visas issued in Santo Domingo.

Separately, nationals of 50 countries must already post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 for B1/B2 visitor visas; the Dominican Republic is not on that list, the outlet said.