Every so often, a regulation quietly makes its way into the immigration space and before we know it, it’s impacting lives in major ways. That’s exactly what’s happening with the newly announced Visa Bond Pilot Program from the U.S. Department of State, set to run from August 20, 2025, to August 5, 2026.
Let’s break it down in real talk.
For now, this program applies only to certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia—that’s business and tourist visitors. These countries were flagged due to high overstay rates, but—and this is important—the State Department can expand the list at any time, with only 15 days’ notice. So if you’re from a country with overstay concerns or weak vetting systems, this is one to watch closely.
Some B-1/B-2 visa applicants will now be required to pay a visa bond, on top of the regular visa application fee. This bond is essentially a financial guarantee that the traveler will comply with visa conditions and leave the U.S. on time.
The bond will be set during the visa interview and could be $5,000, $10,000, or even $15,000, depending on the applicant’s background, financial circumstances, purpose of travel, and perceived risk. The default amount is $10,000 unless there’s reason to adjust.
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The bond is handled through Pay.gov, the U.S. Treasury’s secure payment platform.
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Applicants will also need to submit a DHS Form I-352 agreeing to the bond terms.
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Once the bond is posted, the visa (if otherwise approved) is issued.
But wait, it doesn’t end there.
Visas issued under the bond requirement come with serious limitations:
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Single entry only
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Valid for just 3 months
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Must enter and exit the U.S. through one of three specific airports:
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Boston Logan (BOS)
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JFK in New York
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Washington Dulles (IAD)
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Customs and Border Protection will limit your stay to 30 days
That’s right—you’ll be expected to come in, do what you came for, and be out within a month.
Good question. If the visitor abides by all terms of the visa—meaning no unauthorized work, no overstay, and timely exit—the bond can be refunded. But here’s the kicker: the traveler must request an appointment at a U.S. consulate outside the country within 30 days of departure (or before the visa expires if unused) to initiate the cancellation and refund process.
No show = no refund.
Not really. There’s no formal waiver process for the public during the pilot phase. However, consular officers may request one under very limited conditions, like cases tied to national interest or humanitarian needs. These exceptions must be approved at high levels.
This pilot may seem narrow in scope now, but the precedent it sets is worth your full attention. Visa bonds could easily expand to include other countries or other categories of visas. And given how quickly immigration rules shift, staying ahead of these changes is no longer optional—it’s essential.
I typically charge for immigration consultations, but this is the kind of information I believe everyone should have access to. If you’re a student, a traveler, or just someone trying to understand how U.S. immigration works—you need to keep your eyes on this.
Let’s stay informed and empowered—because knowledge isn’t just power, it’s protection.