April Relaunch: exclusive discounts coming soon
Xender Facebook logo Linkedin logo Instagram logo Youtube logo
  (+1) 469 463 5461
WhatsApp
WhatsApp Message

U.S. To Introduce Visa Bond Pilot Program: Travelers Need to Pay $5K–$15K Deposit

U.S. To Introduce Visa Bond Pilot Program: Travelers Need to Pay $5K–$15K Deposit

In a move poised to reshape travel norms, the U.S. Department of State has launched a 12-month pilot visa bond program on August 20, 2025, targeting select B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants. Under the initiative, some travelers may be required to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on individual assessments by consular officers.

As a responsible mentor who systematically provides guidance for Green Card in America, we are trying to stay updated on all the changes in the visa landscape. Here is our systematic breakdown of this upcoming pilot program.

What is driving the new policy?

The program aims to tackle persistent visa overstay concerns. The Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 Overstay Report revealed over 500,000 suspected overstays by temporary visitors in the U.S. Moreover, the policy is directed at applicants from countries that exhibit high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficits, or those who are offering citizenship-by-investment (CBI) without residency requirements.

Who is affected and who is exempt?

Initially, only Malawi and Zambia are included in the pilot. This limited list reflects the Department’s plan to add or remove countries dynamically, with at least 15 days’ notice before implementation for any changes.

Travelers from the Visa Waiver Program’s 42 countries are allowed entry without a visa. They are also exempt from the bond requirement.

How it will operate

  • Bond amounts & determination: At the visa interview, consular officers will decide the bond amount ($5K, $10K, or $15K) based on factors like the applicant’s economic ties, purpose of visit, employment, and educational background. $10K will generally be the default amount, unless circumstances warrant a lower or higher bond.
  • Payment process: Applicants required to post a bond must complete Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov portal, upon direction from the consular officer. Using any third-party site may result in lost funds. Hence, take care to pay through the authentic and government-approved ways.
  • Visa validity & entry conditions: Visas under this program will be single-entry and valid for three months from issuance. The visa holders must enter and depart through specific airports that are authorized for reliable exit tracking. These are currently Boston Logan (BOS), JFK, or Washington Dulles (IAD). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may further limit admission to 30 days.

Bond refunds & forfeitures

Passengers who fully comply with visa conditions will have their bond fully refunded. Refunds are expected to be processed automatically.

However, if a traveler overstays, violates visa terms, or does not depart properly, the bond will be forfeited.

Applicants needing to manually cancel their bond (e.g., if ADIS didn’t register their departure) can request an appointment at a U.S. consular office abroad within 30 days of departure. A consular officer will verify identity and departure details before approving cancellation.

Broader context

This is not the first attempt at implementing a visa bond strategy. A similar pilot under the first Trump administration in 2020 was abruptly hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, later in 2025, the U.S. also plans to introduce a $250 non-refundable “visa integrity” fee for all non-immigrant applicants.

Stay tuned to our blog sections to learn more about the changing visa landscape. We are always running against time to bring the latest updates to you

Recent Post
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Brings Lawsuit Against the $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee

In a recent rebuttal, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a legal challenge to the recently imposed $100,000 H-1B Visa fee.
Trump Comments ‘Foreign Students Are Good Business’: Renewed Hopes for Students Abroad?

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump, in a counterintuitive jibe, endorsed having foreign students in U.S. Universities.
Why The New Wage-Based H-1B Could Face Legal Backlash: Is It The New O-1?

The new H-1B visa rule remains one of the most important reforms amidst the crucial changes in the immigration policy under Donald Trump’s administration. Though the rule is going to be formally published and written down in the Federal Register today, much of it remains unclear and mysterious. Experts are already asking questions about whether the rule is going to supplant the old O-1 visa, and has even the potential to completely replace it.

USCIS Strengthens Screening & Vetting in 2026: What Applicants Should Expect

In March 2026, USCIS announced a major update to its vetting and screening procedures for immigration benefits. Officials found that earlier security checks were “wholly inadequate,” and the agency proposed to improve Screening & Vetting Practices (more frequent ID and criminal checks, social media reviews, etc.) and an internal Review Process to lift holds on certain cases.

Trump Releases Immigration Welfare Data: India Missing from The List

In early January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump shared a chart on his Truth Social platform revealing “Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin”. The graphic lists welfare participation rates for immigrant households from about 120 countries and territories in the United States. The surprising absence of India from the list became a focal point of analysis in both U.S. and international news.

Several Research Data Indicates Reducing Immigration Can Harm America’s Own Workers

According to Forbes and several other outlets, new researches are indicating a damaging trend to the U.S. economy. Within the last few weeks, studies have hinted that the United States is more likely to prosper by welcoming more immigrants instead of barring or prohibiting them. Contrary to what one may assume, the U.S.-born native workers are not benefiting from stricter immigration policies, the research suggests.

Tourists May Need to Show Five Years of Social Media History to the US Administration

International tourists intending to travel to the U.S. could also face social media scrutiny, which, according to several outlets, can now reach up to five years of social media history screening and vetting.

H-1B Visa Fee Update 2025: Official USCIS Statement Explained

USCIS has very recently released an official statement on H-1B fees in their newsroom. This contains all the essential information you need to know about the recently imposed H-1B visa fee.
Trump Bans The Entire ‘Third World’ Migration: All Your Queries Answered

A big breaking news has erupted everywhere as Donald Trump vows to permanently pause all migration from Third World Countries. However, though the announcement is sharp and point-blank, much remains unclear so far.

How Can The US Travel Ban for 12 Countries Impact Visa Aspirants?

The proclamation fully restricts and limits the entry of nationals from 12 countries found to be deficient with regard to screening and vetting and determined to pose a very high risk to the United States.