U.S. State Department Expands Visa Bond Pilot Program to Additional Countries

Key Point 

• The U.S. Department of State expanded the list of countries under the visa bond pilot program to include Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe and Tanzania  

Visa Bond Pilot Program Countries Expanded  

Effective August through October 2025, the U.S. Department of State has expanded its visa bond pilot program under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR). This expansion targets B1/B2 visa applicants from six countries with elevated overstay rates, as identified in DHS’s FY 2024 Entry/Exit Overstay Report. 

Countries and Implementation Dates: 

• Malawi – August 20, 2025 
• Zambia – August 20, 2025 
• The Gambia – October 11, 2025 
• Mauritania – October 23, 2025 
• São Tomé and Príncipe – October 23, 2025 
• Tanzania – October 23, 2025 

Visa Bond Requirements: 

• Nationals from the listed countries must post a visa bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, as determined during the visa interview. 
• Applicants must submit DHS Form I-352 and agree to bond terms via Pay.gov. Third-party payment platforms are not authorized. 
• Bond payment does not guarantee visa issuance. Fees paid without consular direction are non-refundable. 

Designated Ports of Entry 

Visa holders subject to the bond requirement must enter and exit the U.S. through one of the following airports: 

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

Bond Refund Conditions 

Full bond refunds are issued automatically if: 

• The visa holder departs the U.S. on or before their authorized stay ends. 
• The visa holder does not travel to the U.S. before visa expiration. 
• The visa holder is denied entry at the port of entry. 

Bond Breach and Enforcement 

DHS may refer cases to USCIS for review if a visa holder: 

• Overstays their authorized period. 
• Remains in the U.S. unlawfully. 
• Attempts to adjust status or seek asylum. 

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