U.S. Expands Visa Bond Pilot to 38 Countries, Effective Jan. 21
The State Department casts the 12-month requirement as a deterrent to overstays through refundable deposits set at consular discretion.
Overview
- Starting January 21, otherwise eligible B1/B2 applicants from 38 named countries, including Nigeria and Uganda, will face a refundable bond requirement.
- Consular officers will set bond amounts at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with internal guidance indicating $10,000 in most cases.
- Applicants will be told at the visa interview if a bond is required and, if instructed, must file DHS Form I-352 and pay via the Treasury’s Pay.gov using a State Department link.
- Travelers who post bonds must enter the United States through Boston Logan (BOS), New York JFK, or Washington Dulles (IAD), and paying a bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
- Bonds are refunded if holders depart within their authorized stay or do not travel, and may be forfeited for overstays or violations under the pilot aimed at reducing visa overstays.