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4mo ago

U.S. to Require $5,000–$15,000 Bonds on New B1/B2 Visas for Bangladesh From Jan. 21

U.S. officials say the refundable deposits are intended to deter short‑term visa overstays, to be paid only through official channels after consular direction.

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Overview

  • The rule applies only to Bangladeshi nationals granted B1/B2 visas on or after January 21, 2026, and does not affect valid visas issued earlier.
  • Consular officers will set bond amounts of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 during the interview, with filing on DHS Form I-352 and payment solely via the Pay.gov link provided by the embassy.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka warns applicants not to pay before instruction, noting that early payments are non‑refundable and third‑party sites may be scams.
  • Bonds are refundable if travelers comply with visa terms or are denied entry and may be forfeited for violations such as overstays or other noncompliance.
  • Bangladesh is among 38 countries included in the State Department’s expanded pilot to curb B1/B2 overstays, and bonded travelers must use designated airports such as Boston Logan, New York JFK and Washington Dulles.