The United States will make its visa bond programme permanent from August 3, allowing consular officers to demand up to $20,000 from certain business and tourist visa applicants.
The State Department rule covers nationals of 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Thirty listed countries are in Africa. It applies only to B-1 and B-2 visas for temporary business or tourism travel.
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“Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers,” the Federal Register notice said.
New Rule Raises Maximum Bond
The programme began as a 12-month pilot in August 2025. Officers could set bonds at $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.
The permanent rule removes the $5,000 option. Officers may now require $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 after considering each applicant’s circumstances.
“The 2025 visa bond pilot, which provided a framework for the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of the Treasury to assess the feasibility of administering a visa bond program, has provided sufficient data to suggest that a visa bond program is an effective tool for enforcing compliance among bonded visa holders.”
Applicants must pay electronically through the US Treasury’s authorised platform after a consular officer gives instructions. A third party may provide the money, but payment does not guarantee approval.
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The government will return the bond when a holder leaves on time, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied entry. Authorities may forfeit it after a serious breach.
Some reports suggested broader effects on students and workers. However, the regulation covers only B-1/B-2 applicants and does not directly apply to F student or H employment visas.
US Cites Sharp Fall in Overstays
US officials say the programme aims to reduce overstays and improve cooperation on identity checks, information sharing and travel-document security.
The 50 countries recorded 45,488 overstays in fiscal year 2024, according to the notice. During the pilot’s first 10 months, covered travellers recorded fewer than 50.
About 20,000 applications required a bond, far above the government’s initial estimate of 2,000. Close to half paid, temporarily placing about $115 million with the government.
Visa issuance from listed countries fell 83% compared with the same 10-month period a year earlier. Nearly half of affected applicants chose not to pay.
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Immigration advocates argue that high bonds could discourage legitimate travel and place an unequal burden on applicants from poorer countries. The State Department describes the programme as an effective compliance and diplomatic tool.
The country list may change. Washington must generally announce additions at least 15 days before implementation, while removals can take effect immediately.
