(UNITED STATES) The United States Department of State will soon launch a new visa bond pilot program, requiring some travelers to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000 when applying for business or tourist visas. This program, which starts on August 20, 2025, and runs until August 5, 2026, currently affects only applicants from Malawi and Zambia. Indian applicants are not included in this pilot, but the policy could change quickly if the United States decides to expand the list of countries.
What Is the Visa Bond Pilot Program?
The visa bond pilot is a new rule from the United States Department of State. It requires certain travelers to pay a cash bond before getting a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa. The main goal is to reduce the number of people who overstay their visas. Overstaying means staying in the United States longer than the visa allows. The United States government wants to make sure visitors follow the rules and leave on time.
Who Must Pay the Visa Bond?
Right now, only travelers from Malawi and Zambia must pay the visa bond if they apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa. The United States picked these countries because they have high rates of people overstaying their visas. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s 2023 Overstay Report, Malawi had an overstay rate of 14.32% by land and 4.17% by air or sea, while Zambia’s rate was over 10%. In comparison, India’s overstay rate was much lower, at just 1.29% for B-1/B-2 visas.
| Country | Overstay Rate (Land) | Overstay Rate (Air/Sea) | Overstay Rate (B-1/B-2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malawi | 14.32% | 4.17% | – |
| Zambia | Over 10% | – | – |
| India | – | – | 1.29% |
How Does the Visa Bond Work?
The visa bond amount can be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The consular officer—the person who interviews visa applicants at the United States embassy or consulate—decides the amount during the interview. The default amount is $10,000, but it can be higher or lower depending on the situation.
Here’s how the process works for affected travelers:
- ✅ Visa Application: The traveler fills out the regular B-1/B-2 visa application and pays the usual visa fee.
- ✅ Interview: During the interview, the consular officer decides if the visa bond is needed and tells the applicant the amount.
- ✅ Bond Payment: If required, the applicant must fill out DHS Form I-352 and pay the bond through Pay.gov within 30 days.
- ✅ Final Review: After the bond is paid, the officer reviews the application again.
- ✅ Visa Issuance: If approved, the visa is issued with a note about the bond. The visa is valid for one entry, must be used within three months, and allows a stay of up to 30 days.
- ✅ Travel: The traveler must enter and leave the United States through specific airports: Boston Logan (BOS), JFK in New York City, or Washington Dulles (IAD).
- ✅ Bond Refund: If the traveler leaves the United States on time, does not use the visa, or is denied entry, the bond is fully refunded.
Why Is the Visa Bond Being Introduced?
The United States has always had the legal power to require visa bonds, but it has rarely used this rule. The pilot program is a test to see if bonds help reduce visa overstays. The Department of State says the program is based on data and aims to encourage travelers to follow visa rules. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the United States government wants to see if this approach works before deciding whether to use it more widely.
What About Indian Applicants?
Indian applicants are not included in the visa bond pilot. India’s overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas is much lower than the countries currently affected. As of August 7, 2025, there is no sign that Indian travelers will be added to the program soon. However, the United States Department of State can change the list of countries at any time, with just 15 days’ public notice. This means that if India’s overstay rate rises or if there are new concerns about screening, Indian applicants could be added quickly.
Key Points for Indian Travelers:
- 🟢 No Bond Requirement: Indian nationals do not have to pay a visa bond for B-1/B-2 visas as of August 2025.
- 📉 Low Overstay Rate: India’s overstay rate is only 1.29%, much lower than the countries included in the pilot.
- ⚠️ Policy Could Change: The United States can add countries to the list with 15 days’ notice, so it’s important to stay informed.
- 📋 Normal Application Process: Indian applicants should continue to follow the usual steps for B-1/B-2 visa applications.
Official Guidance and Resources
For the most current information, travelers should check the U.S. Department of State’s official visa bond page. This page lists which countries are affected and explains the rules in detail. Applicants can also find the Federal Register Notice for legal details and updates.
What Happens If the Policy Expands?
If the United States decides to add more countries to the visa bond pilot, the Department of State will give at least 15 days’ notice before the change takes effect. This means travelers and travel agents should watch for updates, especially if they are from countries with rising overstay rates.
Why Are Only Some Countries Included?
The United States Department of State uses data from the Department of Homeland Security to decide which countries to include. The main factor is the overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas. Countries with high rates are more likely to be added. The pilot is also looking at countries with weak screening systems or those that offer citizenship quickly through investment programs.
How Does the Refund Work?
The visa bond is fully refundable if the traveler follows all the visa rules. This includes leaving the United States before the visa expires, not using the visa at all, or being denied entry at the airport. The refund is processed automatically after the traveler’s departure is confirmed. If the traveler overstays or breaks the visa rules, the bond may not be returned.
Are There Any Waivers?
Waivers for the visa bond are very rare. Consular officers can grant a waiver only for urgent humanitarian reasons or for official United States government travel. There is no formal application process for a waiver, and decisions are made case by case.
What Are the Impacts on Travelers and Businesses?
Travelers from Malawi and Zambia now face higher costs and more steps when applying for a United States visa. This could make it harder for some people to visit for business or tourism. Travel industry groups worry that if the policy expands, it could hurt tourism and business travel from other countries, including India.
Immigration attorneys say the pilot’s narrow focus and short visa validity are meant to make it easier to track compliance and reduce paperwork. United States officials say the program is a test and will be reviewed after August 2026 to see if it should continue, expand, or end.
Practical Tips for Indian Applicants
- 📰 Stay Informed: Check the United States Department of State website regularly for updates.
- 🛫 Follow Visa Rules: Always leave the United States before your visa expires to keep your overstay rate low.
- 📁 Keep Records: Save copies of your travel documents and proof of departure in case you need them for future visa applications.
- 📞 Contact the Embassy: If you have questions, contact the United States embassy or consulate in India for help.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The visa bond pilot program is a new step by the United States to address visa overstays. For now, it affects only Malawi and Zambia, and Indian applicants are not included. However, the policy could change quickly, so it’s important for travelers and travel agents to stay alert. The best way to avoid problems is to follow all visa rules and keep up with official announcements. For more details and updates, visit the U.S. Department of State’s visa bond information page.
By staying informed and following the rules, Indian travelers can continue to visit the United States for business and tourism without facing the extra costs and steps of the visa bond program.
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