U.S VISA BOND: $15000 ENTRY BOND PROPOSED TO ENTER US!

U.S VISA BOND

U.S VISA BOND program, What’s the hype?

U.S Visa Bond is a 12-month pilot program in which individuals applying for certain applications like B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) from selected countries are required to submit a refundable financial guarantee as a precondition for their visa issuance. The U.S. Visa Bond program is set to begin from August 20, 2025. Depending on the individual circumstances of selected Travellers, it requires them to deposit an amount of $5000, $10,000 or $15,000 as determined by the U.S. consular officer.

Why U.S VISA BOND is on Trending? Countries Subject to Visa Bonds

The government of the U.S. has cited a growing problem with overstays, around 500,000 in 2023, which has led to this decision. The U.S Visa Bond program is aimed at discouraging these overstays by making a tangible financial stake in complying with visa terms. It encourages partner countries to increase screening tactics, identity measures and vetting and also act as a diplomatic signal and border enforcement tool.

Who is Impacted by the U.S VISA BOND?

• Applicants applying for B-1 or B-2 visa from the countries who have high overstay rates, insufficient screening data or “citizenship by investment programs” that is countries giving citizenship minimal to no residency requirements might be subjected to the bond.
• Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – traveller from the countries like U.K, Australia, and much of west Europe are exempted
• The pilot includes Zambia and Malawi initially, but it may add other countries on a rolling basis.

How U.S VISA BOND works:

• Bond must be posted only upon the explicit directions by the U.S consular officer, using Form I-352 via Pay.gov. Unauthorized payments will not be refunded
• Visas issued under this program will be valid for three months from the date of issuance and it will be a single entry visa.
• Entry will be allowed only through airports that support automated departure verification which includes Washington Dulles (IAD), JFK and Boston Logan (BOS) and it will be a single entry visa.
• Once in the U.S. The admission period might be just limited to 30 days, under CBP discretion.

How does the Breaches and Refunds system work?

 You will get your full refund (with no interest) if you comply with all the visa and bond conditions

Visa holders will get their refund if:

• They depart before the expiration of the authorized date.
• The traveler is denied entry at the authorized U.S. port
• The visa remains unused or expires unused.

Failure to comply with the bond condition will result in a breach. Following are the conditions of breach

• Failure to return back on authorized time period
• Unless timely approved as an extension, the Traveller applies for adjustment in statuses or an asylum.
• The Traveller does not leave the U.S. through designated airports.

The breaches are determined by DHS which uses ADIS data. Once the breach is confirmed the State then cancels the bond and issues the Form I-391 (Immigration Bond Cancelled).

Pros and Cons/Drawbacks of U.S VISA BOND:

Pros:

• This may boost border integrity, by deterring unwanted statuses adjustment and overstays as there are financial stakes tied to the bond.
• This policy sends a message to other countries to increase citizenship process, vetting and screening.
• This is a pilot program; therefore it will help U.S. agencies in assessing whether bond-based enforcement operationally makes sense.

Cons:

• It will affect individuals or companies that plan on short term visits, from the targeted countries, if the bond is up to $15,000 impacting tourism, business and academic ties.
• Posting a bond may make it almost impossible for those seeking asylum specially if they face bond forfeiture by applying for status adjustment or asylum.
• S. travel agencies have warned that by adding financial stake there might be a fallout in economics and potential tourism which is already declining in the U.S.
• Concerns are raised about putting excessive burden on less developed nations by targeting low screening and African countries.

What Lies Ahead?

• The bond requirement may be modified, abolished or extended after one year depending on the results as it is a pilot program
• This pilot will help in evaluating effectiveness, cost and feasibility as around 2000 applicants will be affected
• This bond policy will help in tightening visa rules.

WILL GETTING VISA WILL BE EASIER? 

The U.S. visa bond pilot program will make a significant change in nonimmigrant visa policy as it is aimed at merging immigration control with financial accountability. Also, it will prevent overstays, apply diplomatic pressure on origin countries and introduce new operational measures.

So, if you are following immigration policy trends or applying for a B-1 or B-2 visa from an affected country then this guide is a must read.

You may also check fully funded scholarships options:

Fully Funded Singapore Scholarships 2026-No IELTS