New Visa Bond Pilot Program: What B-1/B-2 Visitors Need to Know

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.