United States B-1/B-2 visa bond pilot remains capped at $15,000 through Aug. 5

Contrary to reports of a permanent $20,000 requirement, the United States hasn't formally replaced its B-1/B-2 visa-bond pilot, which began Aug. 20, 2025 and is scheduled to end Aug. 5.

The official cap remains $15,000

The policy allows consular officers to require bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 from certain nationals of designated high-overstay countries. No official source reviewed confirms a $20,000 bond or makes the program permanent.

The State Department expanded the policy to cover nationals of 50 countries on April 2. Its country list was last updated May 13, while the original Federal Register notice still gives Aug. 5 as the pilot’s end date.

Certain B-1/B-2 applicants are affected

The bond applies only to designated nationals who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, regardless of where they submit the application. It doesn’t cover work, study or immigrant visas, distinctions detailed in the United States guide.

Applicants from listed countries with interviews before the scheduled end should budget for as much as $15,000, but must not pay unless a consular officer directs them. Payment requires DHS Form I-352 and Pay.gov and posting a bond doesn’t guarantee visa approval.

Bond holders face tighter entry rules

Travelers issued visas under the program must enter and leave through commercial airports, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance locations. Charter flights, general aviation and land or sea ports aren’t permitted.

The government returns the bond automatically when the traveler leaves on time, never uses the visa or is denied entry. Certain FIFA World Cup travelers may receive a waiver, including eligible nationals of competing countries who bought tickets by April 15 and enrolled in the Hayya system.