The U.S. Has Begun Applying Visa Bonds (Visa Bond): Up to $15,000 for B1/B2 Visas

Aray Karim
2 days ago
2 min read

In 2025–2026, the U.S. government implemented a pilot program allowing consular officers to require a visa bond for certain applicants seeking B1/B2 nonimmigrant visas.

This measure applies to nationals of specific countries and is governed by INA Section 221(g)(3) as well as a Temporary Final Rule (TFR).

What is a Visa Bond

A visa bond is a financial guarantee that an applicant may be required to post if a consular officer determines it is necessary, even after visa eligibility is otherwise established.

The bond amount may be:

$5,000
$10,000
$15,000

The exact amount is determined on a case-by-case basis during the visa interview.

Who May Be Subject to a Visa Bond

This requirement applies to nationals of countries designated by the U.S. Department of State.

The designation is based, among other factors, on B1/B2 visa overstay rates, as reported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

It is important to note that the visa bond requirement is applied on an individual basis and is not automatic for all applicants from listed countries.

Visa Bond Process

If a consular officer determines that a bond is required:

The applicant will be instructed to submit Form I-352 (Immigration Bond)
Payment must be made through the official U.S. government platform — Pay.gov
The applicant must agree to the bond terms before completing the process

Important:

Form submission and payment must be made only after direct instruction from a consular officer
Third-party payment platforms must not be used
The U.S. government is not responsible for payments made outside official systems

Does a Visa Bond Guarantee Visa Issuance

No. Posting a visa bond does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

If an applicant pays the bond without instruction from a consular officer, the funds will not be refunded.

Entry Restrictions

Visa holders subject to a bond must:

Enter and exit the United States only through commercial air ports of entry, including CBP preclearance locations

The following are not permitted:

Land border crossings
Sea ports
Charter or private aviation

Failure to comply may result in denied entry or issues with departure records.

When is the Bond Returned

The bond is automatically canceled and refunded in the following situations:

The visa holder departs the United States before the authorized stay expires
The visa holder does not travel to the United States before the visa expires
The visa holder is denied admission at a U.S. port of entry

Visa Bond Violations

If there is a potential violation, the case may be referred to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for review.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Departing the U.S. after the authorized period of stay
Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized stay
Applying for a change of status, including asylum

If a violation is confirmed, the bond will not be returned.

Conclusion

The introduction of visa bonds reflects a broader trend toward stricter enforcement of nonimmigrant visa compliance in the United States.

For applicants, this means a greater need for careful preparation for the visa interview and a clear understanding of potential additional requirements.