What’s Happening?
Beginning August 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will implement a 12-month Visa Bond Pilot Program targeting certain applicants for B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas. Under this program, nationals of designated countries may be required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance. According to DOS, this program aims to test the effectiveness of visa bonds as a tool for reducing overstays and supporting national security. The pilot will run through August 5, 2026, and is expected to impact approximately 2,000 applicants. Future updates may expand the list of affected countries.
Who is Subject to the Visa Bond?
The bond requirement will apply to nationals of countries that the U.S. government has identified as:
Having high B-1/B-2 overstay rates;
Lacking adequate screening or vetting procedures; or
Offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs without requiring residency.
As of now, only B-1/B-2 visitors from Malawi and Zambia are subject to the bond pilot program. DOS has indicated that the list may be updated throughout the duration of the program, with a minimum 15 days’ notice provided before any changes take effect.
How Does It Work?
Applicants subject to the bond pilot program may complete the regular B visa application process, including a consular interview, and, if deemed eligible, a U.S. consular officer may require the applicant to post a bond as a prerequisite to issuing the visa. The standard bond amount will be $10,000, though officers may impose a $5,000 or $15,000 bond based on the applicant’s travel purpose, employment, financial circumstances, and more.
After the officer imposes a bond, visa issuance will be paused until the applicant submits:
Form I-352 (Immigration Bond)
Bond payment via Pay.gov (U.S. Department of Treasury platform)
The bond must be paid within 30 days of the visa interview, and applicants should only pay if instructed by a consular officer. There is no formal waiver process, though consular officers may recommend waiving the bond in limited humanitarian or government-related cases.
Visas issued under the bond program will be valid for three months, allow only one entry, permit a maximum 30-day stay in the U.S, and require entry and departure only through the following designated ports of entry: Boston Logan Airport (BOS), New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), and Washington Dulles Airport (IAD).
Bond amounts will be refunded in full if the visa holder:
Departs the U.S. on or before their authorized stay;
Properly files and is approved for an extension or change of status; or
Is denied entry to the U.S. or never uses the visa.
If a timely extension or change of status application is denied, the traveler must depart within 10 days to remain eligible for a refund.
Bond amounts will be forfeited if the visa holder:
Stays beyond the authorized period;
Submits a late or improper request to extend or change status;
Applies for adjustment of status (e.g., for asylum or green card); or
Violates any term of their B-1/B-2 status.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for making final determinations regarding bond breaches. Applicants found in breach will be notified of the decision and given a right to appeal.
D&S will continue to monitor and report on any changes to this pilot program, including new country designations, waiver policies, or bond-related procedures and provide updates as they become available.