Start date
From August 20, 2025
Countries effected so far
Nationals of Malawi and Zambia will be subject to visa bonds. Additional countries may be added, each with a 15-day notice.
Bond amounts
Bond amounts are $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000.
- The $10,000 amount is the “standard,”
- The $5,000 amount is for applicants unable to pay the full $10,000 amount, and
- The $15,000 amount is for applicants who would not be deterred by the $10,000 amount because of the “nature and extent of [their] contacts” in the US.
Visa conditions for those subject to the bond
Those subject to the bond, receive single-entry visas with 3-month validity and are to be admitted for no more than 30 days
Restricted port of entry for those subject to the bond
Those subject to the bond must enter/depart the US through designated POEs:
- Boston Logan International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport; or
- Washington Dulles International Airport.
Returning the bond
The full visa bond amount will be returned to the applicant if the applicant complies with all the terms of the nonimmigrant visa status and with the terms of the visa bond, which are set out on the bond form (Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 Immigration Bonds) and in the Federal Register.
More information
Link to notice:
Link to our prior blog post
Please note, the program has yet to fully take shape, meaning there are many unanswered questions. The DOS Liaison Committee will provide updates as more details emerge.