The U.S. State Department has made the visa bond program a permanent requirement for B1 and B2 visa applicants. The maximum bond amount has been raised to $20,000, affecting 50 countries, among them Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Key Takeaways

  • US makes visa bond rule permanent
  • Maximum bond increased to $20,000
  • Applies to applicants from 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan

The U.S. State Department announced that the visa bond pilot program, initially launched in August 2025, will become a permanent requirement for B1 and B2 visa applicants from a list of 50 nations.

Under the new rule, the bond amount options are limited to $10,000 and $20,000, eliminating the previous $5,000 tier. Applicants must pay the bond before their visa interview, with refunds issued if the visa is denied or the traveler complies with visa conditions.

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Historical Background

The bond program was introduced by the Trump administration to curb visa overstays, which cost the U.S. government an estimated $18,000 per case. In its first ten months, overstays among the targeted countries fell dramatically, from 45,500 in 2024 to fewer than 50.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the permanent bond rule could further reduce visa overstays but may also deter legitimate travel from lower‑income nations, affecting tourism, business, and diaspora connections.

"The increased bond amount creates a significant financial barrier for many travelers, potentially reshaping U.S. visa demand from the affected regions," says immigration policy expert Dr. Maya Patel.
Did You Know?: The original pilot projected only 2,000 applicants would need a bond annually, yet over 20,000 were covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which visa categories are affected?
A: The rule applies to B1 business and B2 tourist visas.

Q2: Will the bond be refunded?
A: Yes, if the visa is denied or the traveler adheres to the visa terms.