US makes visa bond permanent, raises amount to $20,000

The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, requiring citizens of 50 countries—including Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan—to pay a refundable bond when applying for certain non-immigrant visas.

According to a draft notice published in the Federal Register on Friday, the US State Department concluded after a year-long review that the pilot programme had been effective in reducing visa overstays. The new rule will take effect on Monday, with officials indicating that additional countries could be added in the future.

Under the revised policy, applicants for B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas from the designated countries must pay a refundable bond before attending their visa interview.

The maximum bond amount has been increased from $15,000 to $20,000, while the previous $5,000 option has been eliminated. Consular officers will now require either a $10,000 or $20,000 bond, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

The bond will be refunded if the visa application is denied or if the traveller complies with all visa conditions after entering the United States, including leaving the country before the visa expires.

The programme was initially introduced by the Trump administration in August 2025 as a pilot initiative aimed at reducing visa overstays as part of broader efforts to curb illegal immigration.

US officials estimate that locating, arresting and deporting a visa overstay costs the government approximately $18,000 per individual, making the bond programme a tool to encourage compliance with immigration rules.

Most of the affected countries are in Africa, but the list also includes Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, countries with significant travel, business and family ties to the United States.

The permanent implementation of the programme is expected to affect thousands of travellers from these countries, including business visitors, tourists and families seeking to visit relatives in the US. While the rule does not apply to student or work visas, it could influence travel planning for many prospective visitors.