Overview
- The expansion adds 12 countries, including Nicaragua, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia and Tunisia, to a list that will now cover 50 nations for the one-year pilot.
- Reports differ on the bond range, with figures cited between $5,000–$15,000 or $10,000–$15,000, and consular officers set the specific amount case by case.
- Applicants directed to pay via Pay.gov must also submit Form I-352, and paying the bond does not guarantee a visa approval.
- Travelers using a bond must enter and depart only through authorized commercial airports and cannot use private or charter flights or land and sea crossings.
- Officials cite early results of nearly 1,000 visas issued with a 97% on-time return rate and say the bond is refunded if a visa is denied or travel terms are met, with some reports noting substantial cost savings.