The U.S. government has finalized a rule that establishes a permanent Visa Bond Program. This program follows a pilot that began in August 2025 and lasted for a year. Under this rule, some individuals applying for temporary visitor visas (B-1/B-2) may need to post a bond to ensure they follow visa rules.
Consular officers will have the discretion to require a bond, which can be as high as $20,000. This bond acts as a financial guarantee that the visa holder will maintain their nonimmigrant status and leave the U.S. when their visa expires. The decision to require a bond will depend on the specifics of each visa application.
This change aims to strengthen compliance with visa regulations and reduce the number of overstays. It is part of ongoing efforts to manage immigration more effectively.
Individuals affected by this rule should be aware of the potential for increased costs and the need to provide additional documentation when applying for a visa. This could impact travel plans and the overall visa application process.