Understanding the U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program: Complete Guide for Affected Travelers

In an effort to address visa overstay concerns and encourage compliance with U.S. immigration laws, the Department of State launched a US visa bond pilot program that affects B-1/B-2 (business and tourist) visa applicants from specific countries. Just recently, the US Visa Bond program was expanded to include 25 new countries, set to come into effect on January 21, 2026. If you’re a national of a designated country planning to visit the United States, understanding this requirement is essential for a successful visa application and a smooth travel experience.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the US visa bond pilot program, including which countries are affected, how much you’ll need to pay, the application process, compliance requirements, and most importantly, how to ensure you get your full refund when you depart the U.S. on time.

What Is the US Visa Bond Pilot Program?

The US visa bond pilot program is a 12-month initiative established by the U.S. Department of State under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The program requires certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post a refundable financial bond as a condition of receiving their visa.

Key Program Features:

• Bond Amount: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 (determined by consular officer at interview)
• Visa Type: Applies only to B-1 (business visitor) and B-2 (tourist) visas
• Refundable: Full refund upon timely departure and compliance with visa terms
• Duration: 12-month pilot program (launched August 2025, running through approximately August 2026)
• Purpose: Encourage timely departure and discourage visa overstays

The bond serves as a financial guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, including departing the United States on or before your authorized stay expires. If you comply with all requirements, you receive a full refund. If you violate the terms, such as overstaying your authorized period, you forfeit the bond.

Which Countries Are Subject to Visa Bonds?

As of January 8, 2026, nationals of the following 13 countries are required to post a visa bond when applying for a B-1/B-2 visa. By January 21, the numbers are expected to swell to 37, with 25 new countries added to the US Visa Bond list. The implementation dates are listed in parentheses:

Countries to be Added January 21, 2026:

• Algeria 
• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bangladesh 
• Benin
• Burundi 
• Capo Verde
• Cote D’Ivoire
• Djibouti 
• Dominica
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Kyrgyzstan 
• Nepal 
• Nigeria 
• Senegal 
• Tajikistan 
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu 
• Venezuela 
• Zimbabwe

Countries Added January 1, 2026:

• Bhutan (January 1, 2026)
• Botswana (January 1, 2026)
• Central African Republic (January 1, 2026)
• Guinea (January 1, 2026)
• Guinea-Bissau (January 1, 2026)
• Namibia (January 1, 2026)
• Turkmenistan (January 1, 2026)

Countries Added October 23, 2025:

• Mauritania (October 23, 2025)
• São Tomé and Príncipe (October 23, 2025)
• Tanzania (October 23, 2025)

Countries Added October 11, 2025:

• The Gambia (October 11, 2025)

Countries Added August 20, 2025:

• Malawi (August 20, 2025)
• Zambia (August 20, 2025)

Important Note: This requirement applies to all citizens and nationals traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries, regardless of where they apply for the visa. Even if you apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate in a different country, the US Visa bond requirement still applies if you hold citizenship from one of the designated countries.

Why Were These Countries Selected?

The Department of State selected these countries based on three primary criteria outlined in the Temporary Final Rule establishing the pilot program:

1. High Visa Overstay Rates: Countries with B-1/B-2 overstay rates significantly above the national average, based on the Department of Homeland Security’s annual Entry/Exit Overstay Report.
   
2. Deficient Vetting and Screening: Countries where screening and vetting information is deemed insufficient for adequate security assessments.
   
3. Citizenship by Investment Programs: Countries offering citizenship by investment (CBI) with no residency requirement, which can create security and identity verification concerns.

Will More Countries Be Added to the US Visa Bond Program?

The list of designated countries may change throughout the 12-month US Visa bond pilot program. The Department of State has indicated it will provide at least 15 days’ advance notice before adding new countries to the list, with announcements made through official channels including Travel.State.Gov.

Early government estimates suggest approximately 2,000 applicants per year will be subject to the bond requirement under the current country list, though this number could increase if additional countries are added to the program.

How Does the US Visa Bond Program Work?

Understanding the step-by-step process helps you navigate the requirements smoothly:

Step 1: Standard Visa Application Process

Begin by following the normal procedures for applying for a B-1/B-2 visa:

1. Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
2. Pay the standard machine-readable visa (MRV) fee ($185)
3. Schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate
4. Gather required documentation (passport, photograph, supporting documents)
5. Attend your scheduled visa interview

At this stage, the process is identical to any other B-1/B-2 visa application.

Step 2: Visa Interview and Bond Determination

During your consular interview, the consular officer will:

1. Review your application and supporting documentation
2. Determine if you otherwise qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa
3. If you qualify, inform you that you must post a visa bond
4. Determine the specific bond amount: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000

Important: The consular officer has discretion in setting the bond amount based on factors such as:

• Your travel history and compliance record
• The purpose and duration of your intended visit
• Your ties to your home country
• Your overall risk profile for overstaying

The officer will issue a temporary refusal under Section 221(g) and provide you with specific instructions for posting your bond.

Step 3: Posting the US Visa Bond

Once instructed by the consular officer, you must:

1. Complete Form I-352: Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 (Immigration Bonds)
2. Pay Online via Pay.gov: Use the official U.S. Department of Treasury online payment platform at www.pay.gov
3. Payment Deadline: Post the bond within 30 days of your visa interview
4. Payment Source: You or someone else (a single payer) can pay the bond on your behalf

CRITICAL WARNING: Only pay through the official Pay.gov system using the direct link provided by the consular officer. Do not use any third-party websites or services claiming to facilitate US visa bond payments. The U.S. government is not responsible for money paid outside its official systems, and unauthorized payments will not result in visa issuance or refunds.

Step 4: Visa Issuance

After the bond is posted and confirmed:

1. The State Department receives automatic notification of bond payment
2. The consular officer conducts a final review of your eligibility
3. If approved, your visa is issued with a special annotation indicating a bond has been posted
4. Your visa will be valid for single entry only
5. Your visa must be used within three months of issuance

Visa Validity Limitations Under the Pilot Program:

• Single entry (not multiple entries)
• Three-month validity from date of issuance (not the typical longer periods)
• Maximum authorized stay commonly limited to 30 days (determined by CBP officer at port of entry)

Step 5: Travel to the United States

When traveling to the U.S., you must:

Enter through a Designated Port of Entry:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

These are the only three airports where you can enter the United States under a visa with a posted bond. Attempting to enter through any other port of entry may result in:

• Denial of admission
• Your departure not being properly recorded (affecting your ability to get a refund)
• Complications with your visa bond status

At the Port of Entry:

• Present your passport and visa to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer
• The CBP officer will determine your authorized length of stay (commonly 30 days)
• You will receive an I-94 arrival/departure record indicating your authorized stay period
• Write down or photograph your authorized departure date—this is critical for compliance

Step 6: During Your Stay in the United States

While in the U.S., you must:

• Maintain your B-1/B-2 visitor status: Only engage in activities permitted under your visa (business meetings, tourism, medical treatment, etc.)
• Track your departure date: Know exactly when your authorized stay expires
• Plan for timely departure: Book return travel well before your deadline
• Keep all documentation: Retain your passport, I-94, and any other travel documents

Activities That Violate Your Status:

• Accepting employment or working (even unpaid)
• Enrolling in a course of study
• Engaging in activities inconsistent with visitor status
• Applying for adjustment of status to permanent residency
• Filing for asylum
• Attempting to change to a different nonimmigrant status

Any of these activities may result in bond forfeiture.

Step 7: Departing the United States

To ensure bond refund eligibility, you must:

Depart on Time:

• Leave the United States on or before the date indicated on your I-94
• Do not wait until the last day if possible, give yourself buffer time for any travel delays

Depart Through a Designated Airport:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

These same three airports are required for departure. Departing through any other port may result in:

• Your departure not being properly recorded in DHS systems
• Inability to receive your bond refund
• Potential future visa complications

Ensure Proper Departure Recording:

• Provide your passport to airline staff when checking in
• Your departure will be automatically recorded in the Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS)
• Keep your boarding passes and any departure documentation

Bond Refund Process: How to Get Your Money Back

If you comply with all visa bond terms, you are entitled to a full refund of your bond amount (no interest accrued).

Automatic Refund Process

The bond will be automatically canceled and refunded in these situations:

1. Timely Departure: DHS records show you departed the United States on or before your authorized stay expiration date
   
2. Compliant Extension/Change of Status: You timely and properly filed an extension of stay or change of status request before your authorized stay expired (note: this is rare for bond cases and should be discussed with an immigration attorney)
   
3. Unused Visa: You never traveled to the United States and the visa expired
   
4. Entry Denied: You traveled to the U.S. but were denied entry at the port of entry through no fault of your own (e.g., administrative reasons unrelated to fraud or misrepresentation)
   

Timeline for Automatic Refund:

• The Department of State monitors ADIS departure records
• Once compliance is verified, bond cancellation is processed automatically
• You will receive Form I-391 (Notice – Immigration Bond Cancelled)
• Refund is issued to the original payment method
• Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks after departure, though this can vary

No Interest Paid: Visa bonds do not accrue interest, so you receive exactly the amount you paid, regardless of how long the bond was held.

Manual Refund Request Process

If your departure was not automatically recorded, you can request manual bond cancellation:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Within 30 days of departing the U.S., request an appointment with consular officials at any U.S. embassy or consulate
   
2. Provide Documentation:
   
   • Your passport showing entry and exit stamps
   • Boarding passes from your departure flight
   • Any other evidence of timely departure
   • Form I-391 if you received one

3. Identity Verification: The consular officer will confirm your identity and review departure evidence
   
4. Confirmation Check: The consular officer will verify that your departure was not recorded in ADIS (or was recorded incorrectly)
   
5. Bond Cancellation: If satisfied with the evidence, the consular officer will approve bond cancellation and initiate the refund process
   

Alternative Manual Process: If you wish to cancel the bond before the visa expires without traveling, you may also schedule a consular appointment to voluntarily cancel the bond and receive a refund. This would apply if, for example, your travel plans change and you decide not to use the visa.

What Causes Bond Forfeiture?

You will lose your entire bond (no refund) if any of the following occur:

1. Overstaying Your Authorized Period

Definition: Remaining in the United States after the date indicated on your I-94 arrival/departure record.

Example: If your I-94 authorizes you to stay until March 15, 2026, and you depart on March 20, 2026, you have overstayed by 5 days and will forfeit your bond.

Even One Day Over = Forfeiture: There is no grace period. Departing even one day late results in bond loss.

2. Departing Late (Even If You Eventually Leave)

Definition: Leaving the United States after your authorized stay has expired, even if you eventually depart voluntarily.

Consequence: DHS records will show a late departure, triggering bond forfeiture and potential future visa ineligibility due to the overstay.

3. Failing to Depart

Definition: Remaining in the United States indefinitely without departing or adjusting to another lawful status.

Consequence: Bond forfeiture, accumulation of unlawful presence (which can trigger bars to future entry), potential removal proceedings.

4. Attempting to Adjust Status or Claim Asylum

Definition: Filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence), Form I-589 (Application for Asylum), or otherwise attempting to change from visitor status to permanent residence or protected status.

Why This Triggers Forfeiture: The US visa bond is specifically conditioned on maintaining B-1/B-2 visitor status and timely departing. Seeking to remain permanently violates these fundamental conditions.

Important Note: Even if your adjustment or asylum application is ultimately approved, you will still forfeit the bond because you violated the bond terms by attempting to stay beyond your visitor authorization.

5. Violating Terms of Status

Definition: Engaging in unauthorized activities while in the United States, such as:

• Working (even unpaid internships or volunteer work in some contexts)
• Enrolling in full-time study
• Any activity inconsistent with B-1/B-2 visitor status

Consequence: Status violation triggers bond forfeiture, even if you depart on time.

6. Entering or Exiting Through Non-Designated Ports

Definition: Entering the U.S. through any airport other than Boston (BOS), New York JFK, or Washington Dulles (IAD), or departing through any other port.

Consequence: Your arrival/departure may not be properly recorded, making it impossible to verify compliance. This can result in bond forfeiture even if you actually departed on time.

Bond Forfeiture Assessment Process

When potential bond violations occur:

1. DHS Flags Case: Department of Homeland Security identifies potential bond breach through ADIS records or other immigration databases
   
2. Referral to USCIS: Case is sent to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for formal breach determination
   
3. Breach Assessment: USCIS reviews evidence and determines whether a violation occurred
   
4. Forfeiture Decision: If breach is confirmed, the bond is forfeited and you lose the full amount
   
5. No Refund: Forfeited bonds are not refundable under any circumstances
   
6. Future Visa Impact: Bond forfeiture and the underlying violation (overstay, status violation, etc.) will negatively affect future U.S. visa applications
   

Exemptions and Waivers: Limited Relief Available

The US visa bond requirement is mandatory for covered applicants, with very limited exceptions.

Extremely Limited Waiver Authority

Consular officers have authority to recommend waivers of the bond requirement only in very limited circumstances, such as:

1. U.S. Government Employees: Individuals traveling on official U.S. government business

2. Urgent Humanitarian Needs: Compelling humanitarian situations such as:

• Emergency medical treatment for life-threatening conditions
• Attending the funeral of an immediate family member
• Other extraordinary humanitarian circumstances

Important Notes on Waivers:

• Waivers are discretionary and extremely rare
• Business convenience or desire to avoid the bond cost do not qualify
• Family visits, tourism, routine business meetings, and conferences do not qualify
• Even if requested, waivers are rarely granted
• There is no appeal process if a waiver is denied

Existing Valid B-1/B-2 Visas Are Not Affected

Good News: If you currently hold a valid B-1/B-2 visa that was issued before your country was added to the US visa bond program, you can continue using that visa without posting a bond.

Requirements:

• The visa must have been issued before the implementation date for your country
• The visa must still be valid (not expired)
• You may use the visa for multiple entries (subject to its original validity and entry limitations)
• You are not restricted to the three designated airports

Important: When your existing visa expires and you need to renew, the bond requirement will apply to your renewal application.

Other Visa Categories Are Not Affected

The US visa bond program applies only to B-1/B-2 visitor visas. Other nonimmigrant visa categories are not subject to the bond requirement, including:

• F-1 (Student visas)
• H-1B (Specialty occupation workers)
• L-1 (Intracompany transferees)
• O-1 (Individuals with extraordinary ability)
• J-1 (Exchange visitors)
• E-1/E-2 (Treaty traders and investors)
• All other nonimmigrant visa categories

If you qualify for one of these visa categories instead of B-1/B-2, you can avoid the bond requirement entirely.

Practical Considerations and Strategic Planning

For Individual Travelers

Financial Planning:

• Budget for the bond amount ($5,000-$15,000) in addition to standard visa fees and travel costs
• Ensure you can tie up this amount for the duration of your trip plus the refund processing period (potentially 2-3 months total)
• Consider that you won’t earn interest on the bond funds
• Factor in currency exchange considerations if paying from your home country

Travel Planning:

• Book flights in/out of only the three designated airports (BOS, JFK, or IAD)
• Build buffer time into your departure plans, don’t wait until the last day to leave
• Allow extra time for potential travel delays (weather, cancellations, etc.)
• Keep all travel documentation organized and accessible

Visa Timing:

• Apply well in advance of intended travel given the additional bond payment step
• Allow 30 days after the interview for bond posting and final visa issuance
• Factor in the three-month visa validity window when planning travel dates
• Remember you get only one entry, so plan your entire U.S. visit accordingly

Documentation Management:

• Photograph or save digital copies of your I-94 with authorized stay date
• Keep all boarding passes from your arrival and departure flights
• Maintain records of your bond payment confirmation
• Store copies of your passport pages showing entry/exit stamps

For Employers and Organizations

If Inviting Business Visitors from Affected Countries:

Budget Implications:

• Factor $5,000-$15,000 bond costs per visitor into meeting/training budgets
• Consider whether to reimburse employees or partners for bond costs
• Plan for the refund delay when cash flow planning

Scheduling Challenges:

• Single-entry restriction means visitors cannot leave and re-enter
• Three-month visa validity creates tight windows for scheduling
• 30-day maximum stay limits extended training programs or projects
• Designated airport requirements may increase travel time and costs

Alternative Strategies:

• Consider relocating meetings, training, or events to regional hubs outside the U.S.
• Explore virtual participation options for affected nationals
• Investigate whether attendees might qualify for non-B-1/B-2 visa categories (H-1B for workers, O-1 for specialized talent, etc.)
• Plan multi-country tours to minimize U.S. visit duration

Compliance Support:

• Assist visitors with understanding authorized stay dates and departure requirements
• Provide clear guidance on maintaining B-1 status (no work, limited business activities)
• Facilitate booking of departure flights through designated airports
• Consider designating an internal point person to help visitors track their compliance

For U.S. Citizens with Family in Affected Countries

Visiting Family Members:

• Be prepared to help family members understand the bond requirement
• Consider assisting with bond payment if family members lack resources
• Understand the single-entry limitation means they cannot leave and return during one trip
• Help arrange travel through designated airports only

Long-Term Considerations:

• Evaluate whether tourist visits remain practical given the bond burden
• Explore alternative visa categories if applicable (e.g., if family member might qualify for employment-based visa)
• Consider visiting family in their home country instead if bonds create financial hardship
• Stay informed about potential future changes to the country list or bond amounts

Common Questions About the Visa Bond Pilot Program

Q: Can I apply for a B-1/B-2 visa without paying the bond?

A: No. If you are a national of a designated country and the consular officer determines you otherwise qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa, posting the bond is mandatory. The only exceptions are the extremely limited waiver situations (U.S. government employees or urgent humanitarian needs), which are rarely granted.

Q: What if I can’t afford the bond amount?

A: Unfortunately, the US Visa bond is a mandatory requirement. If you cannot afford to post the bond, you will not receive the visa. You may wish to explore:

• Whether someone else (family member, employer, sponsor) can pay the bond on your behalf
• Whether you might qualify for a different visa category that is not subject to the bond requirement
• Whether your travel plans can be postponed until you save sufficient funds

Q: Can I pay the bond in installments?

A: No. The full bond amount must be paid at once through Pay.gov before the visa can be issued.

Q: How long does it take to get my refund after I leave the United States?

A: If your departure is properly recorded in DHS systems and you complied with all visa terms, automatic refund processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. However, this timeline can vary. If you don’t receive your refund within 12 weeks, contact the consulate where you obtained your visa for assistance.

Q: What if I have a travel emergency and need to leave through a different airport?

A: You must depart through one of the three designated airports (BOS, JFK, or IAD) to ensure proper departure recording and bond refund eligibility. If you absolutely cannot depart through a designated airport due to a genuine emergency:

• Document the emergency circumstances thoroughly
• Depart through whatever airport is necessary
• Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately after departing to request manual bond cancellation
• Provide comprehensive documentation of the emergency and your timely departure
• Understand there is no guarantee the bond will be refunded in this scenario

Q: Does the 30-day maximum stay apply to everyone?

A: No. The 30-day period is common for US visa bond cases, but the actual authorized stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you enter the United States. The officer looks at your I-94 to see your authorized stay length. Some applicants may receive longer authorizations (up to the typical 6-month B-1/B-2 maximum), while others may receive shorter periods. Always check your I-94 to confirm your specific authorized stay.

Q: Can I extend my stay or change my status while in the U.S.?

A: While it is technically possible to file for an extension of stay (Form I-539) or change of status, doing so is highly discouraged for visa bond holders. The bond is specifically conditioned on maintaining visitor status and timely departing. Any attempt to remain beyond your authorized stay, even through proper legal processes, may be viewed as violating the bond terms. If you do file for extension/change of status, consult with an experienced immigration attorney first to understand the implications for your bond.

Q: What happens if my flight is canceled on my departure date?

A: This is a serious concern because even one day of overstay results in bond forfeiture. To protect yourself:

• Book your departure flight at least 2-3 days before your I-94 expiration date
• Purchase refundable or flexible tickets that allow rebooking
• Monitor your flight status closely as your departure date approaches
• If your flight is canceled, immediately book the next available flight out (even if on a different airline or to a different destination)
• Keep all documentation of the cancellation and your rebooking efforts
• If you cannot depart before your I-94 expires despite best efforts, immediately contact USCIS to explain the circumstances, though there’s no guarantee this will preserve your bond

Q: Will I have problems getting future U.S. visas if I post a bond?

A: No. Posting a bond and complying with its terms should not negatively affect future visa applications. In fact, successfully posting a bond, complying with all terms, and departing on time demonstrates that you are a responsible traveler who respects U.S. immigration laws. However, if you forfeit the US Visa bond by overstaying or violating your status, this will significantly harm future visa prospects.

Q: Can I visit Canada or Mexico during my U.S. trip and re-enter?

A: No. Visas issued under the US Visa bond pilot program allow single entry only. Once you depart the United States—even to Canada or Mexico—you cannot re-enter on the same visa. If you need to visit both the U.S. and neighboring countries, plan your itinerary carefully to visit the U.S. last, or apply for a new visa for a subsequent U.S. visit.

Q: What if I’m from an affected country but have dual citizenship?

A: This depends on which passport you use to apply for the visa. If you apply using a passport from an affected country, the bond requirement applies regardless of your other citizenship. However, if you have citizenship from a country that is not on the US Visa bond list and you apply using that passport, the bond requirement does not apply.

Q: How will I know what my specific bond amount will be?

A: You won’t know until your visa interview. The consular officer determines the amount ($5,000, $10,000, or $15,000) based on their assessment of your specific case. Factors may include your travel history, ties to your home country, purpose of visit, and overall risk profile, though the exact criteria are not publicly disclosed.

How AgoraVisa Can Help Navigate the Visa Bond Process

The US visa bond pilot program adds complexity and financial burden to the B-1/B-2 visa application process. At AgoraVisa, we understand the stress and uncertainty that the visa bond requirement creates. Our team of experienced immigration professionals has helped dozens of clients navigate complex U.S. visa processes, and we’re ready to guide you through every step of the bond pilot program, from initial application through successful departure and bond refund.

Don’t let the US visa bond requirement derail your U.S. travel plans or put your hard-earned money at risk through avoidable compliance mistakes. Contact AgoraVisa today for expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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Quick Reference Guide: Visa Bond Pilot Program at a Glance

Affected Countries (as of January 8, 2026)

Bhutan, Botswana, Central African Republic, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Zambia

Affected Countries (as of January 21, 2026)

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Capo Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

US Visa Bond Amounts

$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 (determined by consular officer)

Affected Visa Type

B-1/B-2 visitor visas only

Designated Airports (Required for Entry and Exit)

• Boston Logan International (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International (IAD)

Refund Eligibility

Full refund if you:

• Depart on or before your authorized stay expires
• Exit through a designated airport
• Maintain your visitor status
• Do not attempt to adjust status or claim asylum

Bond Forfeiture Triggers

• Overstaying (even by one day)
• Departing through non-designated airport
• Violating visitor status
• Attempting to adjust status or claim asylum
• Failing to depart the United States

Key Forms and Fees

• DS-160: Online visa application
• MRV Fee: $185 (standard visa fee)
• Form I-352: Immigration Bond form
• Bond Payment: $5,000-$15,000 via Pay.gov
• Refund Timeline: 4-8 weeks after compliant departure

Important Restrictions

• Single entry only
• Three-month visa validity from issuance
• Commonly limited to 30-day authorized stays (check your I-94)
• Must use official Pay.gov system for bond payment

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The Bottom Line: Preparation and Compliance Are Key

The US visa bond pilot program represents one of the most significant recent changes to U.S. visitor visa requirements, particularly for nationals of the 13 designated countries. While the financial burden is substantial, $5,000 to $15,000 is a significant sum for most travelers, the requirement is manageable with proper preparation, clear understanding of the rules, and meticulous attention to compliance.

Remember These Critical Points:

Before You Apply:

• Verify whether your country is on the current bond list
• Budget for the bond amount in addition to standard visa fees
• Consider alternative visa categories if you might qualify
• Allow extra time for the bond payment step

During the Application:

• Present a strong case with extensive documentation
• Be honest and forthcoming at your interview
• Follow consular officer instructions for bond payment exactly
• Only use the official Pay.gov system

Planning Your Trip:

• Book flights exclusively through BOS, JFK, or IAD
• Understand your single-entry limitation
• Plan conservatively, don’t cut your departure timing close
• Keep meticulous records of all documents

While in the United States:

• Know your exact authorized stay date from your I-94
• Maintain strict B-1/B-2 visitor status
• Track your days carefully
• Plan departure with buffer time for delays

When Departing:

• Leave on or before your authorized date, not on the last possible day
• Depart through one of the three designated airports
• Keep all boarding passes and documentation
• Verify your departure is recorded (check I-94 online)

After Departure:

• Monitor for your refund (typically 4-8 weeks)
• Keep bond payment confirmation for your records
• If refund is delayed beyond 12 weeks, contact the consulate
• Save documentation in case manual cancellation is needed

The stakes are high, your entire US visa bond amount is at risk if you make compliance mistakes, but the process is straightforward if you follow the rules carefully. With proper guidance from immigration professionals like AgoraVisa, you can navigate the visa bond requirement successfully, enjoy your U.S. visit, and recover your full bond investment.

Whether you’re traveling for business meetings, visiting family, seeking medical treatment, or exploring the United States as a tourist, don’t let the US visa bond requirement become an insurmountable obstacle. With knowledge, preparation, and professional support, you can turn this challenge into a manageable part of your U.S. travel journey.