U.S. Announces a Visa Bond Pilot Program

On August 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced that beginning August 20, 2025, citizens of Malawi and Zambia applying for B1/B2 visitor visas will be required to post visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Criteria for Bond Requirement

This measure is based on elevated overstay rates reported for these countries in the FY 2023 data and is authorized under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule launching the 12-month-long Visa Bond Pilot Program. According to this Rule, B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants who are nationals of countries identified by the Department of State as:

1. Having high visa overstay rates
2. Lacking sufficient screening and vetting information
3. Offering Citizenship by Investment programs with no residency requirement

Bond Payment Details

Consular officers have the discretion to require applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition for receiving a visa.

The announcement further outlines the following key details:

• The bond amounts are: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.
• The amount is determined during the visa interview.
• It must be paid viagov using Form I-352.
• Payment must be made only upon instruction from a consular officer (unauthorized payments are non-refundable).
• Bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

Required Ports of Entry

Visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the U.S. through:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Failure to use these ports may result in denied entry or unregistered departure.

Bond Refund Conditions

Bond will be refunded if:

• The visa holder leaves on or before the date to which they are authorized to remain in the U.S.,
• The visa expires before the visa holder travels to the U.S., or
• Entry is denied at the border.

Bond Forfeited Conditions

However, the bond may be forfeited if the visa holder:

• Overstays their permitted duration of stay,
• Fails to depart, or
• Applies to adjust status (including an asylum application).

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