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

On August 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced corrections and clarifications to its Temporary Final Rule (TFR) creating a 12-month visa bond pilot program for certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants. This program targets applicants from countries with high overstay rates, deficient vetting data, or citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs.

The program begins August 20, 2025 and will initially apply to nationals of Malawi and Zambia, with the possibility of additional countries being added with 15 days’ notice.

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Key Features of the Visa Bond Pilot Program

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1. Applicable Countries

• Initial countries: Malawi and Zambia (effective Aug. 20, 2025)

• Additional countries may be added with 15 days’ advance notice

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2. Bond Requirement

• Amounts: $5,000, $10,000 (standard), or $15,000

• Set at the consular officer’s discretion based on applicant circumstances

• Paid via Pay.Gov and held in an escrow-style Treasury account under DHS oversight

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3. Visa Limitations

• Single-entry visa valid for 3 months

• Maximum U.S. admission: 30 days

• Entry/departure restricted to:

• Boston Logan International Airport

• John F. Kennedy International Airport

• Washington Dulles International Airport

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4. Bond Terms and Cancellation

The bond (recorded on ICE Form I-352) is canceled—and funds returned—if the applicant:

• Departs the U.S. before I-94 expiration without unauthorized work;

• Timely files and complies with an approved extension/change of status, then departs;

• Does not travel to the U.S.;

• Is denied a visa after posting the bond; or

• Is denied entry by CBP.

Applicants can also request manual cancellation with a consular officer if departure is not recorded in the Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS).

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5. Bond Forfeiture

The bond will be forfeited if the applicant:

• Violates visa status;

• Files an untimely change/extension of status;

• Overstays beyond the I-94 date; or

• Has a timely filed change/extension denied and fails to depart within 10 days.

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Administrative and Applicant Concerns

The pilot program is expected to:

• Increase workloads for consular staff;

• Lengthen wait times for visa processing;

• Limit visa validity and travel flexibility for affected applicants.

Additionally, the ADIS system—used to verify departures—has a history of inaccuracies, raising the risk of erroneous bond forfeitures for travelers who comply with visa rules but are incorrectly flagged as overstays.

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Practical Takeaways for Applicants

If you are a B-1/B-2 applicant from a country subject to the bond program:

• Plan ahead for the financial burden of posting a $5,000–$15,000 bond;

• Keep detailed proof of your U.S. departure (boarding passes, passport stamps, travel itineraries);

• Monitor your I-94 expiration date and strictly comply with visa terms;

• If eligible, consider alternative visa options that may avoid the bond requirement.

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Conclusion

The Visa Bond Pilot Program represents a significant change for B-1/B-2 applicants from certain countries. While intended to address overstay and compliance concerns, it introduces financial, logistical, and procedural challenges for applicants and U.S. consular operations alike.

If you believe you may be impacted by the new bond requirements—or if you have questions about visitor visas and compliance—professional guidance can help you navigate this complex and evolving policy.

If you need experienced legal assistance with B-1/B-2 visa applications or compliance issues, contact SG Legal Group today. Our team is committed to protecting your travel rights and ensuring you meet all U.S. immigration requirements. Call us at [phone number] or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.