United States B-1/B-2 visa bond pilot requires up to $15,000 through Aug. 5

How the U.S. visa bond program works

The United States is still running a Temporary Visa Bond Pilot Program for some B-1/B-2 visitor-visa applicants from specified countries. Consular officers can require a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 before issuing the visa and the program now covers 50 countries under a rule in force through Aug. 5, 2026.

The latest State Department list was updated May 13, but that date reflects the page update, not the start of the program. The bond applies only to short-term visitor visas, not student, work or immigrant visas, the department said on its website.

Who gets caught by it

The bond targets nationals of countries tied to higher U.S. overstay rates. It applies based on passport nationality, even if applicants interview at a U.S. post outside their home country.

That means some tourists and short-stay business travelers face a new cash hurdle, while remote workers and expats using longer-term visa paths are outside the pilot. Travel plans can also get tighter, since bond holders must enter and leave through designated commercial airports and can't use land borders, seaports, charter flights or general aviation.

What applicants have to do next

Applicants still start with the normal DS-160 and interview process. If a consular officer applies the bond, the applicant must complete Form I-352 and post the required amount through the government’s payment process before the visa can be issued.

The bond is refunded if the traveler leaves on time, never uses the visa or is denied entry. If the stay is overstayed or status is broken, the government can keep the money, so affected travelers need to watch the I-94 date closely. Read our full United States guide for the complete picture and visa updates.