On August 5, 2025, the Department of State announced a one-year Visa Bond Pilot Program. Starting August 20, 2025, some B-1 (business visitor) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants from certain countries will be required to post a refundable bond before a visa is issued.
Who’s affected right now?
Countries in the pilot as of August 20, 2025:
• Malawi
• Zambia
DOS may add or remove countries from this list during the year-long pilot with at least 15 days’ notice.
How much is the bond?
• The amount will be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, set by the consular officer during the visa interview.
• Bonds must be paid online via the U.S. government’s pay.gov system using Form I-352.
• The bond is refunded if the traveler follows all visa rules and departs on time.
How the visas will work under this program?
• Validity: 3 months, single entry.
• Likely admission limit: Even with a valid visa, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may admit you for only 30 days.
• Condition: You must enter and leave the U.S. through one of these airports:
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Who is NOT affected?
• Any other visa categories (F, J, H, O, etc.)
• Visa Waiver Program travelers
• B-1/B-2 travelers from countries not on the pilot list
Why this program exists:
The pilot is meant to test whether visa bonds can reduce overstay rates and improve compliance with U.S. immigration laws, focusing on countries with high overstay rates or limited identity verification systems.
Duration
The program runs August 20, 2025 – August 5, 2026. Any bonds posted will remain in effect until cancelled or breached, even if the pilot ends.
Key takeaway
If you are applying for a B-1/B-2 visa and your passport is from Malawi or Zambia (or any country added later), be prepared for a possible bond requirement. Follow all visa terms carefully to ensure your bond is refunded.
We’ll continue to track this program and notify you of any new countries added to the list or changes to the requirements.