The United States has made its visa bond program permanent for certain business and tourist visa applicants. At the same time, the maximum bond amount has been increased from $15,000 to $20,000.
Citizens of 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, will fall under the new policy, according to a report by The Indian Express.
A draft notice published in the U.S. Federal Register on Friday, July 31, stated that a year-long review found the visa bond program to be effective. As a result, the government has decided to make the program permanent. The new rule will take effect from Monday, and additional countries may be added to the list in the future.
Under the previous pilot program, visa bonds ranged from $5,000 to $15,000. Consular officers determined the amount based on each applicant’s individual circumstances. Under the revised policy, applicants may be required to submit a bond of either $10,000 or $20,000.
The requirement applies only to applicants for B-1 and B-2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism purposes. Applicants from the listed countries will be required to deposit the bond before attending their visa interview.
The bond will be refunded if the visa application is rejected or if the traveller complies with all visa conditions, including leaving the United States within the authorised period.
Why the Program Was Introduced
The Trump administration initially introduced the visa bond program on a trial basis in August last year. Its primary objective was to reduce illegal immigration and discourage visitors from remaining in the United States after their visas had expired.
According to U.S. officials, arresting and deporting one individual who overstays a visa costs the government approximately $18,000.
Most African countries, along with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, are included under the new policy. This means that visa bonds will now become a permanent requirement for certain business and tourist visa applicants from these countries.
The measure may affect students, professionals, families, frequent travellers, and individuals planning future visits to the United States.
What U.S. Authorities Say
The U.S. Department of State claims that the program has already produced positive results.
In 2024, approximately 45,500 citizens from the 50 listed countries reportedly remained in the United States after their visas had expired. However, during the first 10 months of the pilot program, the number of overstays among applicants covered by the bond requirement reportedly fell to fewer than 50.
Initially, the State Department estimated that around 2,000 applicants per year would be required to submit a visa bond. In practice, however, nearly 20,000 applicants became subject to the requirement.
Almost half of those applicants reportedly chose not to deposit the bond. Consequently, the number of business and tourist visas issued to citizens of the listed countries declined by approximately 83 percent.
The notice stated that the revised policy is expected to further reduce demand for B-1 and B-2 visas among citizens of the affected countries.
Critics, however, argue that such a substantial bond will create additional financial pressure on people from lower-income countries. They warn that the requirement could become a major barrier for individuals wishing to visit family members, pursue educational opportunities, attend professional activities, or explore business opportunities in the United States.