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U.S. State Department Launches 12-Month Visa Bond Pilot for Select B-1/B-2 Applicants

Prime Highlights

  • On August 20, 2025, some B-1/B-2 visa petitioners will be required to deposit refundable $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 bonds.
  • Originally used for only two countries, Malawi and Zambia, with single-entry, three-month-valid visas and 30-day U.S. stays.

Key Fact

  • Operates for 12 months and ends August 5, 2026, to test feasibility of operations and avoid visa overstays.

Key Background

The U.S. Department of State recently introduced a one-year Pilot Program for qualified applicants of B-1 (business) and B-2 (visitors) visas from August 20, 2025. The selected participants in the program must provide refundable bonds in the amount of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 subject to the recommendation of a consular officer after considering the applicant’s reason for employment, study, and travel.

When put into practice, the pilot will be for Malawi and Zambia alone, although other nations could be added on at least 15 days’ notice. Single-entry visas granted during the pilot will be three-months valid and typically permit 30 days’ stay in the United States. They will be noted on the visa and will be implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the time of entry.

Applicants need to submit Form I-352 on the Pay.gov portal of the U.S. Treasury within 30 days of a visa interview in case of submission of the bond. It can be paid only by approved applicants since a payment error is not refundable. Bonds will be refunded overseas if the visa holder departs on time or submits the requested extension or change of status in a proper manner. These would be forfeited in case of over-staying, work above authorized or change of status, e.g., asylum. The program will assist U.S. officers try visa collection and refund mechanisms for functionality, project visa overstay effects, and enhance screening integrity. The program is also a diplomatic tool to collaborate with high visa overstay or vetting issue countries.

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