The Department of State (DOS) expanded the visa Visa Bond Pilot Program. The visa bond pilot program requires certain B-1 and B-2 visa applicants post monetary bond before receiving their visa. The program focuses on applicants from countries identified by the government as having higher overstay rates or other compliance concerns. The program is ultimately temporary and ends on August 5, 2026.
Expansion Details
The following countries are now included in the visa bond pilot program:
- Ethiopia.
- Cambodia.
- Mongolia.
- Georgia.
- Tunisia.
This brings the total list of countries in the program to fifty. The DOS indicated the list is still subject to change.
Impact
Individuals from the above mentioned countries must deposit between five thousand and fifteen thousand US dollars before receiving a B-1 or B-2 visa. Once submitted, visa holders can stay for a total of thirty days. Additionally, program members can enter through any port of entry regardless of whether Customs and Border Protection (CBP) gave the site preliminary approval. Finally, immigration officials return the visa holder’s payment once they depart the United States.
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