12-Month Visa Bond Pilot Program

U.S. Department of State Launches 12-Month Visa Bond Pilot Program


Starting August 20, 2025, select B-1/B-2 visa applicants from specified countries—initially Malawi and Zambia—must post a refundable bond of $5K, $10K, or $15K to secure visa issuance.

Administered via Pay.gov (Form I-352) and effective until August 5, 2026, this initiative is designed to test the viability of using financial deterrents to improve departure compliance and reduce visa overstays. Visas will be single-entry, valid for three months, and admission may be restricted to 30 days. https://www.ice.gov/doclib/forms/i352.pdf

This pilot addresses critical immigration policy priorities offering a pragmatic tool for enhancing enforcement and promoting better screening—while generating data to evaluate potential program expansion.

Key Details

  • Effective Date: August 20, 2025

  • Program Duration: 12 months (ends August 5, 2026)

  • Who Is Affected: Nationals of designated countries with high overstay rates, inadequate screening systems, or Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs with no residency requirement.

  • Initial Countries: Malawi and Zambia (additional countries may be announced with 15 days’ notice).

  • Visa Types Impacted: B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas only.

  • Excluded Categories: Students (F visas), temporary workers (H visas), exchange visitors (J visas), and Visa Waiver Program travelers.

How It Works

  • Consular officers may require a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 before visa issuance.

  • The amount is determined on a case-by-case basis using risk assessments.

  • Bonds are posted via Form I-352 on Pay.gov and held in a U.S. Treasury account.

  • Visas issued under this program are single-entry, must be used within 3 months, and may be limited to a 30-day stay upon entry.

  • The bond is refunded if the traveler departs the U.S. on time and in compliance with visa terms.

Why This Matters

  • Designed to deter overstays and strengthen compliance.

  • Targets countries with weaker immigration controls or liberal CBI programs.

  • Could signal a broader policy trend toward financial accountability in nonimmigrant visa issuance.

For travelers and businesses in the impacted countries, this rule introduces an added cost and procedural step in securing a U.S. visa. Employers should budget for potential bond payments and plan for stricter travel timelines.

Our attorneys can assist with determining eligibility, understanding bond requirements, and ensuring compliance to secure a full refund.