The visa bond requirement for certain B-1/B-2 applicants is no longer a temporary experiment. On August 3, 2026, the State Department published a final rule, effective immediately, that makes the visa bond program a permanent part of the visitor visa process. The original version of this program launched as a one-year pilot in August 2025, and it was scheduled to expire on August 5, 2026. Instead of letting it lapse, the State Department has now locked it in as a lasting policy.
The mechanics have also changed along with the program’s status. Under the pilot, consular officers could require a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. Under the permanent rule, that range has shifted upward to $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. The bond applies only to B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants who are nationals of designated countries, and it does not extend to other nonimmigrant categories such as F, J, H, or O visas, or to travelers using the Visa Waiver Program.
The bond itself works the same way it did under the pilot. A consular officer sets the amount at the visa interview, and the applicant pays through the Treasury Department’s Pay.gov portal only after being instructed to do so. The bond is refundable as long as the visa holder complies with its terms, which generally means departing the United States on or before the authorized date of stay. Overstaying, or applying for asylum or another form of humanitarian protection while in the U.S. on a bonded visa, can result in forfeiture of the full amount.
For travelers and their U.S. hosts, the practical takeaway is that this program is not going away, and the financial stakes for noncompliance have gone up. Anyone applying for a B-1/B-2 visa from a country on the designated list should plan for the possibility of a bond as part of the process, budget for the higher amounts now in place, and be especially careful to depart on time or otherwise resolve their status before the authorized stay expires.
FAQs
Does this apply to every B-1/B-2 applicant?
No. It only applies to applicants who are nationals of specific countries designated by the State Department, and even then, it’s up to the consular officer’s discretion whether to require a bond.
How much has the bond amount changed?
Under the pilot, bonds ranged from $5,000 to $15,000. Under the new permanent rule, the range is now $10,000 to $20,000.
Is the bond refundable?
Yes, as long as the visa holder complies with the bond’s terms, including departing on time. Violating those terms, such as overstaying, can result in forfeiture.
Does this affect other visa categories, like F-1 or H-1B?
No. The bond program applies specifically to B-1/B-2 visitor visas and does not extend to student, exchange, work, or other nonimmigrant categories.
How do I know if my country is on the designated list?
The State Department maintains and updates the list of designated countries, and it can change over time. An immigration attorney can help confirm current status before a scheduled visa interview.
If you or your family members have questions about how these immigration matters may affect you, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by visiting our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.