U.S. Adds Visa Bond Requirement – $5K – $15K Pilot

Following a new U.S. Department of State (DoS) decision, the U.S. is adding a visa bond requirement as part of a pilot program that will require certain applicants to post between $5,000 and $15,000.

The measure is part of President Trump’s administration’s efforts to curb unlawful immigration. If this policy affects your travel plans or your visa process, our New Jersey immigration lawyers can guide you.

How the visa bond pilot program works for certain visas

Here are some of the program’s main rules:

• Certain applicants for B-2 temporary tourist visas and the B-1 business visitor visa must pay a bond between $5,000 and $15,000.
• The measure applies to visitors from countries with high overstay rates or with verification and screening concerns.
• Its goal is to strengthen compliance with visa terms and ensure departure within the authorized period.
• If the traveler complies with the visa terms, the bond may be refunded. If they do not, the deposited amount may be forfeited.
• The program was proposed with an initial duration of 12 months, and the designated countries or ports are announced through official Department of State channels.

What changes for visa applicants

The program adds both financial and practical burdens for certain travelers. It is not just an administrative requirement. It can also affect trip planning and the budget available.

A meaningful additional cost

In addition to standard consular fees, the program requires a deposit of between $5,000 and $15,000 per traveler. 

Even though that amount may be reimbursed if the visa terms are met, for many people it represents a significant financial barrier.

When the bond can be forfeited

The bond may be forfeited if the traveler remains in the U.S. beyond the authorized period, adjusts status without leaving the United States, or does not use the designated port of entry or exit.

Which countries may be affected

How the program is applied depends on the applicant’s nationality and the criteria the Department of State uses to include or keep countries in the pilot. 

• high overstay rates beyond the authorized period, and
• problems in verification or screening processes for certain countries.

Malawi and Zambia were among the first countries announced under the measure. 

Because the list can change, it is a good idea to review official information before starting the application or preparing for a consular interview.

Does the bond apply to all visas?

For now, no. The pilot program is limited to tourist and business visas for applicants from certain countries. 

That generally excludes other U.S. visa categories, such as student visas or temporary work visas.

This bond comes in the context of increased requirements and immigration changes announced in 2025, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which raised costs across different immigration applications and processes.

When you would not have to pay the bond

The only way not to be subject to this requirement is to fall outside the group covered by the pilot program. In practice, that can mean:

• being a citizen of a country that is not on the applicable list, or
• applying for a visa category that is not part of the program.

Because the list of countries can be updated, it is wise to review your situation with an immigration attorney before filing to confirm whether the bond could apply.

If you stayed in the United States with an expired tourist visa, you can read our article, “I Overstayed My Tourist Visa in the United States,” where we explain possible consequences and the legal options available.

How can Curbelo Law help you with the U.S. visa bond requirement?

This pilot program introduced an important change for certain B-1 and B-2 visa applicants. 

Even if it is temporary, the financial and logistical requirements can affect how you prepare a visa application or plan a trip.

At Curbelo Law, we can review your immigration situation, explain how this requirement may affect you, and guide you before you begin the process.