New Visa Bond Pilot Program Targets B-1/B-2 Applicants from High-Risk Countries

The U.S. State Department is set to implement a Visa Bond Pilot Program requiring certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants from designated countries to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 to obtain their visa. The temporary rule, expected to be published soon, will take effect 15 days after its announcement.

Which Countries Are Affected by the Visa Bond Program?

The Visa Bond Pilot Program will affect citizens from nations designated by U.S. authorities as meeting certain criteria.

• High overstay rates

• Deficient passport vetting and screening processes

• Citizenship-by-investment programs with no residency requirement

The official list of affected countries will be published on the U.S. State Department’s website at least 15 days before implementation.

Key Details of the Visa Bond Pilot Program

• Visa Validity: Maximum 3 months, single entry only.

• Maximum Stay: 30 days upon arrival (as determined by CBP).

• Bond Refund: Full refund if the visa holder complies with visa terms, departs on time, or files a timely extension/change of status request.

• Duration: The pilot program will run for one year, after which the government will assess its effectiveness.

How the Visa Bond Process Works

1. Visa Interview: Applicants from affected countries who qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa will be informed of the bond requirement.

2. Bond Amount: The standard bond amount is set at $10,000, though consular officials have discretion to lower it to $5,000 or increase it to $15,000 depending on individual circumstances.

3. Payment: Must be made online via Pay.gov within 30 days of the interview.

4. Visa Issuance: Once the bond is paid, the visa will be issued with a special annotation.

Conditions for Bond Refund

To receive a full refund, visa holders must:

• Comply with all visa conditions (no unauthorized work).

• Depart the U.S. before their authorized stay expires OR file a proper extension/change of status request.

• If an extension is denied, the applicant must leave within 10 days to reclaim the bond.

What Happens If the Bond Is Breached?

If DHS determines a visa holder violated the terms, the bond will be forfeited. The individual will be notified and may appeal the decision.

Why Is the U.S. Implementing This Visa Bond Program?

The program aims to:

• Reduce visa overstays from high-risk countries.

• Enhance national security by ensuring stricter compliance.

• Test the effectiveness of financial bonds in visa enforcement.

For more updates on U.S. visa policies, visit VisasUpdate.com.

Final Thoughts

The Visa Bond Pilot Program establishes substantial financial requirements for select B-1/B-2 visa seekers. Travelers from affected countries must ensure strict compliance to avoid losing their bond payment.

Stay tuned for the official list of designated countries and further details on travel.state.gov.