The U.S. Department of State has announced a 12-month pilot program starting August 2025 that could affect travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas (for business or tourism). Here’s what you need to know:
Here is link to the federal register document 2025-14826.pdf
🔹 What is the Visa Bond Pilot Program?
Under this new rule, certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants may be required to post a visa bond—a refundable amount (between $5,000 and $15,000)—as a condition to receive their visa. The bond is meant to ensure visitors leave the U.S. on time and comply with the terms of their visa.
🔹 Who Could Be Affected?
Visa applicants from countries that meet any of the following criteria:
- Have high overstay rates,
- Have deficient screening or vetting procedures, or
- Offer citizenship-by-investment (CBI) with no residency requirements.
The list of affected countries will be published on Travel.State.Gov and can change throughout the pilot.
🔹 How It Works:
- During the visa interview, a U.S. consular officer will decide whether a bond is required and set the amount based on the applicant’s individual situation.
- Applicants will need to pay the bond via Pay.Gov and follow specific entry and departure requirements (including using designated U.S. airports).
- If the visitor complies with all terms and departs on time, the bond will be refunded.
- If not, the bond is forfeited.
🔹 Key Details:
- Only B-1/B-2 visa applicants are affected—not student or work visa holders.
- The visa issued under the program is valid for one entry within 3 months.
- CBP officers will usually grant a maximum 30-day stay on entry for these visas.
- There is no application process to request a waiver of the bond, but waivers can be granted in rare cases like government travel or emergencies.
🔹 Why Is This Happening?
The program aims to:
- Reduce visa overstays.
- Test if bonds can be an effective diplomatic and enforcement tool.
- Encourage countries to improve identity verification and security screening.
🧮 What’s Next?
The State Department will evaluate the program’s effectiveness and could expand or adjust it in the future based on its findings.