Malawian and Zambian Visitors Must Post $5K–$15K U.S. Visa Bonds

Malawian and Zambian citizens who apply for U.S. B-1/B-2 visitor visas must post refundable visa bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 under a new pilot that starts August 20, 2025 and ends August 5, 2026. The U.S. says the program targets high overstay rates and will test whether bonds reduce violations.

Overview of the pilot

• Who is covered: Malawian and Zambian B-1/B-2 applicants.
• Why: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported high overstay rates for these groups in the FY 2023 Overstay Report.
• How it works: A consular officer sets the bond amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—based on the assessed risk of overstay or other violations.
• Key limits: Visas under the pilot are single-entry, valid for three months, and permit a 30-day stay. Entry and exit are limited to Boston Logan (BOS), JFK (JFK), or Washington Dulles (IAD).

How to post the bond

1. Complete DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond) — this is the legal agreement to the bond terms. You will be told when and how to submit it after the interview.
2. Pay only via the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov once instructed by the consular officer.
   • Do not use third-party sites to avoid fraud.
3. Timing: Do not post a bond before the officer’s explicit instruction — doing so can cause delays or loss.

Important: Payment and submission instructions come only from the consular officer after the interview. Follow those instructions exactly.

Refund and forfeiture rules

• Refund: The bond is refundable if you:
  • Enter through the designated airports (BOS, JFK, or IAD),
  • Leave before your authorized stay ends (within 30 days),
  • Do not violate visa terms.
    If you are denied entry at BOS, JFK, or IAD, the bond is refundable.
• Forfeiture: The bond is forfeited if you:
  • Overstay,
  • Attempt to change or adjust status (e.g., filing for asylum or a green card while on this visitor visa),
  • Otherwise break visa conditions.

Legal basis and timeline

• The pilot is based on INA Section 221(g)(3) and appears in a Temporary Final Rule published August 5, 2025 (90 FR 37378).
• It runs for 12 months: August 20, 2025 – August 5, 2026.
• The State Department may add more countries with 15 days’ notice if their overstay rates raise concerns.

Who is most affected

• Tourists: The upfront cost may deter leisure trips. A family of four could face $20,000 to $60,000 in bonds, even if refundable.
• Business travelers: Companies may need to front bond funds and plan strict routing through BOS, JFK, or IAD, adding cost and logistical complexity.
• Students and workers: The policy does not apply to F, J, H, or other non-B categories, but past overstays on any visa can be held against applicants in future consular reviews.

Concerns from advocates and supporters

• Critics argue the bond is a blanket financial hurdle rather than an individual assessment tool. The Haitian Bridge Alliance urged immediate repeal, advocating case-by-case risk evaluation rather than broad financial barriers.
• Supporters say the pilot could promote compliance and reduce long-term overstay risks.

What consular officers consider

Officers assess:
– Ties to home (employment, family, property),
– Travel history,
– Finances,
– Purpose of travel.

Under this pilot, even applicants with strong ties may be required to post a bond. The officer’s discretion within the $5,000–$15,000 range suggests a sliding scale based on individual risk.

How to prepare for the interview

• Bring proof of ties: job letters, business registrations, property records, school enrollment for children, and family commitments.
• Present a detailed trip plan: flights routing through BOS, JFK, or IAD, hotel bookings, and a concise itinerary fitting a 30-day visit.
• Prepare funds and documentation for the bond; if an employer will pay, bring a corporate letter on letterhead.
• Ask for exact instructions and do not pay or submit Form I-352 until the officer tells you to proceed. Keep all receipts.

Travel logistics under the pilot

• Use only BOS, JFK, or IAD for both arrival and departure.
• If you plan side trips within the U.S., ensure your total stay remains ≤ 30 days.
• Keep proof of timely departure (boarding passes, entry/exit stamps) to support refunds and future visa applications.
• Allow extra time for bond posting and clearance before departure; book flexible tickets when possible.

Costs and cash flow considerations

• Although refundable, the bond ties up cash for weeks or months. Refund timing depends on government processing after departure.
• If a business pays the bond, set internal reimbursement rules and track the return of funds.

What this means for future policy

• The U.S. frames this as a test. If overstays drop and operations run smoothly, visa bonds could be expanded to other countries with high overstay rates.
• If the pilot causes major delays or shows little effect, it may end without expansion.
• Officials will review data during the 12-month period and may adjust the policy (reported by VisaVerge.com).

Official resources

• State Department visa news page: confirms Malawi and Zambia are subject to visa bonds and gives instructions for payment and I-352 submission.
• State Department B-1/B-2 page: outlines general visitor rules and requirements.
• Federal Register notice (August 5, 2025): contains the Temporary Final Rule and legal text.

Frequently asked questions

• Will everyone from Malawi and Zambia pay a bond?
  • Under the pilot, B-1/B-2 applicants are subject to bond requirements at officer discretion. Expect a bond unless told otherwise.
• Is the bond the same as the visa fee?
  • No. You still pay the visa application fee. The bond is separate and much higher.
• Can I get a multiple-entry visa?
  • No. The pilot issues single-entry visas only.
• Can I change my status in the United States?
  • Attempting to change status risks bond forfeiture and future visa problems.
• What if I’m denied at the airport?
  • The bond is refundable if denied entry at BOS, JFK, or IAD.

Practical next steps

• Check the State Department visa page for current instructions and updates on the pilot.
• Prepare funds for the bond and plan travel through the three designated airports.
• Keep strict records: copy of Form I-352, Pay.gov receipt, entry stamp, and proof of exit.
• If unsure, consult an immigration lawyer or trusted corporate immigration advisor before applying.

Bottom line: The new visa bonds introduce real cost and careful planning for U.S. trips from Malawi and Zambia. Show strong ties, follow instructions, pay only through official channels, and exit on time to secure a refund and preserve future travel options. The pilot’s outcome could shape future U.S. policy on overstay risk.