Why Is the U.S. Requiring Visa Bonds of Up to $15,000 for Some Visitors?
To curb visa overstays and strengthen border compliance, the U.S. State Department is launching a temporary one-year pilot program. Starting on August 20, 2025, this initiative requires some B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visa applicants to post refundable bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. This policy applies only to citizens of specific countries with high overstay rates or limited identity verification systems.
Think of the bond as a financial guarantee: it ensures that visitors will depart the U.S. on time and follow all visa rules. The program is authorized by the Immigration and Nationality Act and is set to run until August 5, 2026. If the visitor complies with all visa conditions, the bond is fully refunded.
Who Is Affected by the U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program?
This pilot program applies only to a select group of B-1 and B-2 visa applicants—not all international travelers. If you’re from a country with high visa overstay rates or weak document verification systems, and you’re applying for a visitor visa, you may be required to post a refundable bond before your visa is issued.
Key Exemptions:
Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are not affected.
Immigrant visa applicants and other non-B visa categories are excluded.
The official list of countries will be published on the U.S. Department of State website at least 15 days before the program begins.
How Much Is the Bond—and Who Pays It?
Visa bonds are set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the applicant’s country of origin and other risk factors. The consular officer determines the specific amount during the visa interview.
Payment Process:
You will be notified of the bond requirement during your interview.
Payment is made through the government’s
Pay.govwebsite.The required form is Form I-532, Immigration Bond.
The bond can be paid by the applicant or a third party, such as a sponsoring employer or family member.
Failure to post the bond within 30 days of notification will result in a visa denial.
What Happens After the Bond Is Paid?
Once the bond is posted and approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a single-entry B visa is issued.
The visa is valid for a single entry within 3 months of issuance.
The permitted stay is a maximum of 30 days.
The visa includes a special note indicating the bond requirement.
Important Travel Rules:
Visitors must enter and exit the U.S. through designated ports of entry, which will be specified by the State Department.
Travelers cannot extend their stay or change visa status during this time.
Can You Get the Visa Bond Refunded?
Yes—the bond is fully refundable if the traveler complies with all visa conditions and leaves the U.S. on time.
Reasons You Could Forfeit the Bond:
Overstaying the visa.
Failing to exit through a designated port of entry.
Attempting to adjust your status without authorization.
Violations can also result in future visa denials and other immigration consequences. The bond can also be refunded if you timely file an application for an extension of stay or change of status, even if that application is later denied, as long as you depart within 10 days of the denial.
Why Is the U.S. Doing This Now?
This pilot program is part of a broader strategy to:
Reduce visa overstays from high-risk countries.
Increase compliance through financial accountability.
Promote better vetting practices by encouraging foreign governments to strengthen their own identity verification systems.
By placing a financial risk on the applicant, the program aims to promote lawful travel without adding strain on immigration enforcement resources.
Legal Authority and Implementation
The Visa Bond Pilot Program is a temporary final rule authorized by:
Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
22 C.F.R. § 41.11(c)(3)
The U.S. government maintains that the bonds are preventive, not punitive. The program is designed to test the operational feasibility of using bonds to address high overstay rates.
When Will the Program Begin and End?
Start Date: August 20, 2025
End Date: August 5, 2026
Country List Publication: At least 15 days prior to the start date on travel.state.gov.
The State Department will evaluate the program’s impact and determine whether to modify, expand, or end it after the one-year term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do all U.S. visa applicants need to pay a bond?
A: No. Only certain B-1/B-2 applicants from specified countries are required to post a bond. Most travelers are unaffected.
Q: Is the visa bond refundable?
A: Yes, if you comply with your visa terms and depart the U.S. on time.
Q: Can a third party pay my bond?
A: Yes. Sponsors, employers, or family members can pay the bond on your behalf through Pay.gov.
Q: What happens if I overstay my visa?
A: You will forfeit the bond and may face future immigration penalties, including visa denials.
Q: Will this become a permanent requirement?
A: Not yet. It is a temporary pilot program scheduled to run for one year. Any future implementation will depend on the program's outcomes and policy reviews.
Q: Where can I find the list of affected countries?
A: The list will be posted on travel.state.gov at least 15 days before the program goes into effect.