The U.S. State Department has made its visa bond program permanent, requiring certain applicants for B-1 (business)and B-2 (tourism) visas from 50 countries to post a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before their visas are issued.
The new rules will take effect on August 3, 2026.
Visa Bond Amounts Increased
Under the permanent program, U.S. consular officers may require eligible applicants to pay one of the following bond amounts:
- $10,000
- $15,000 (standard amount in most cases)
- $20,000
The permanent policy replaces a one-year pilot program launched in August 2025, under which bond amounts ranged from $5,000 to $15,000. The revised rules eliminate the $5,000 option and increase the maximum bond to $20,000.
According to the State Department, the pilot program demonstrated that visa bonds can improve compliance with U.S. immigration laws and help reduce visa overstays.
How the Program Works
Applicants must first complete the normal non-immigrant visa application process, including scheduling a visa interview and paying the required application fee.
If a consular officer determines that a bond is required, the visa application will be temporarily refused until the bond is paid.
Applicants must then complete Form I-352 and submit the payment through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’sonline portal. The bond may be paid by either the applicant or a third party.
Once payment is confirmed, the consular officer will conduct a final review of the application.
Approved visas may be issued for single or multiple entries and remain valid for three to 12 months, depending on the applicant’s nationality and applicable reciprocity agreements.
Conditions for Refund
Visa holders covered by the program must:
- Enter and leave the United States through a commercial airport or a U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance location.
- Comply with all visa conditions.
- Depart the United States before their authorized stay expires.
Those applying for an extension of stay or a change of immigration status must submit a timely application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the request is denied, they must leave the country within 10 days to avoid violating the bond conditions.
The bond will generally be fully refunded without interest if all immigration requirements are met.
However, the U.S. government may forfeit the entire bond if a visa holder overstays, files a late extension or change-of-status request, fails to depart after a USCIS denial, or breaches any other bond conditions.
The State Department said it will continue reviewing the list of 50 countries covered by the program, providing at least 15 days’ notice before adding new countries, while removals from the list will take effect immediately.
