Visa Bond Pilot Program for B-1/B-2 Visitors: What Applicants Need to Know

In 2025 and 2026, the U.S. Department of State introduced a major policy change affecting certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants. Under a Temporary Final Rule, the government has created a Visa Bond Pilot Program that requires applicants from select countries to post a financial bond before a visitor visa can be issued.

This policy is separate from recent pauses affecting immigrant visas or USCIS adjudications. It applies only to B-1/B-2 visitor visas and is designed to address concerns about visa overstays, vetting gaps, and certain citizenship-by-investment programs.

This article explains how the visa bond program works, who is affected, and what applicants should consider before applying.

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What Is the Visa Bond Pilot Program?

The Visa Bond Pilot Program is a 12-month program established by the Department of State that allows consular officers to require certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post a Maintenance of Status and Departure Bond as a condition of visa issuance.

The program:

• Began after publication in August 2025

• Remains in effect through August 5, 2026

• Applies regardless of where the visa application is filed

The stated goal is to encourage compliance with U.S. immigration laws by ensuring timely departure and lawful activity during the visit.

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Who Can Be Required to Post a Visa Bond?

Consular officers have discretion to require a bond from B-1/B-2 applicants who are nationals of countries designated under the pilot program.

The Department of State periodically updates the list of affected countries. As of January 2026, the list includes nationals of the following countries (with effective dates):

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

This list may change, and additional countries can be added with as little as 15 days’ notice.

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How Much Is the Visa Bond?

The bond amount is set at the consular officer’s discretion and can be:

• $5,000 – for applicants unable to pay the standard amount

• $10,000 – the standard bond amount

• $15,000 – for applicants whose ties to the U.S. suggest a higher overstay risk

The bond must be posted before visa issuance through Pay.gov and is held by the Department of the Treasury in an escrow-style account under DHS direction.

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What Kind of Visa Is Issued Under the Bond Program?

Applicants subject to the bond receive a very limited visa, even if otherwise eligible:

• Single-entry B-1/B-2 visa

• Three-month visa validity

• Maximum admission of 30 days, as determined by CBP

This is significantly more restrictive than standard visitor visas.

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Restricted Ports of Entry

Applicants subject to the visa bond may only enter and depart the United States through designated ports of entry, which currently include:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

• Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

These restrictions apply regardless of where the visa was issued.

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When Is the Visa Bond Returned?

The specific bond terms are set out on ICE Form I-352. A bond may be cancelled and returned if the applicant substantially complies with visa conditions, including when:

• The applicant does not travel to the United States

• The applicant enters and departs on time without unauthorized work

• The applicant timely files and complies with a change or extension of status

• The visa is ultimately denied after the bond is posted

• The applicant is denied entry by CBP

Applicants may also request manual bond cancellation at a U.S. consulate within 30 days of departure, provided they can prove timely departure and compliance.

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When Is the Bond Forfeited?

The bond will be forfeited if the applicant:

• Violates their immigration status

• Works without authorization

• Remains in the U.S. beyond the I-94 expiration

• Files an untimely or unexcused extension or change of status

• Fails to depart within 10 days after a denied extension or change of status

A major concern is that bond compliance relies on the Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS), which has historically contained errors—particularly regarding departure records. This creates a real risk of bond disputes.

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How This Program Affects Visa Applicants

The Visa Bond Pilot Program is expected to:

• Increase processing time and administrative steps

• Reduce visa validity and length of stay

• Add financial risk for applicants

• Increase uncertainty due to data-tracking errors

No additional Department of State staffing has been announced to handle the increased workload.

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How This Program Differs From Other Recent Immigration Policies

It is important not to confuse this program with:

• The Department of State’s immigrant visa issuance pause, which affects green cards processed abroad; or

• The USCIS adjudications pause, which affects applications filed inside the United States

The Visa Bond Pilot Program applies only to B-1/B-2 visitor visas and does not affect immigrant visas, work visas, or adjustment of status applications.

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Final Guidance for B-1/B-2 Applicants

The Visa Bond Pilot Program represents a significant shift in how certain visitor visas are issued. While not every applicant from a listed country will automatically be required to post a bond, the risk is real—and the consequences of noncompliance are serious.

Before applying for a B-1/B-2 visa under this program, applicants should understand:

• The financial commitment involved

• The strict travel and time limitations

• The risk of bond forfeiture

If you are from a country subject to the visa bond program and are considering applying for a visitor visa, experienced legal guidance is essential.

If you need help evaluating your options, contact me at SG Legal Group. My team and I help clients navigate complex visa policies with clarity and realism. Consultations are available in English, Russian, or Romanian. Call 410-618-1288 or visit our Contact page to schedule a consultation.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please contact me directly.