The U.S. Department of State has made its Visa Bond Program permanent, allowing consular officers to require certain B-1, B-2, and combined B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before a visa may be issued.
The final rule took effect on August 3, 2026, replacing the temporary pilot program launched in August 2025. For employers that regularly invite foreign employees, executives, customers, or business partners to the United States, the new requirement may add a significant financial and logistical step to business travel planning.
How Much Is the Visa Bond?
A consular officer may set the bond at one of three amounts:
- $10,000
- $15,000
- $20,000
The rule indicates that officers will generally use $15,000 as the starting point, subject to the applicant’s individual circumstances. A $10,000 bond may be selected when the applicant appears unable to pay $15,000 but can otherwise finance the proposed trip. A $20,000 bond may be required when the officer determines that a lower amount would not sufficiently encourage compliance.
Factors may include the applicant’s purpose of travel, employment, income, education, skills, and contacts in the United States.
Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval or admission to the United States.
Which Countries Are Affected?
The requirement currently applies to B-1/B-2 applicants traveling on passports issued by the following 50 countries:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyz Republic, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The Department of State may add countries on a rolling basis after providing at least 15 days’ notice. Countries may also be removed immediately. Employers should therefore verify the current list before making travel arrangements.
How Does the Process Work?
Applicants must first complete the ordinary B-1/B-2 application and visa interview process. A bond should be paid only after a consular officer determines that the applicant is otherwise eligible and provides instructions through the government’s designated payment platform.
The bond may be paid by the applicant or by a third party, such as an employer, relative, friend, or business associate. The person or entity that pays the bond is the party eligible to receive the refund.
Covered visas may be issued for a limited validity period of three months or, depending on reciprocity, up to 12 months. Bonded travelers must enter and leave the United States through commercial airports, including authorized CBP preclearance locations. Travel through land borders, seaports, charter aircraft, or general aviation does not satisfy the program’s requirements.
When Is the Bond Returned?
The principal is generally returned when the traveler complies with the terms of the visa and bond, including timely departure through an approved commercial airport. No interest accrues while the government holds the funds.
The entire bond may be forfeited following a substantial violation, including overstaying, failing to depart after the denial of an extension or change-of-status request, filing certain requests late, or filing Form I-589 for asylum or withholding of removal.
What Employers Should Do Now
HR and global mobility teams should identify upcoming B-1 business travel involving nationals of covered countries and account for the possibility of a $10,000 to $20,000 payment. Internal policies should also clarify whether the employer will fund the bond, who will serve as the obligor, and how the company will track visa expiration dates, admission periods, and confirmed departures.
Because the list of affected countries can change, travel planning should include a current country-specific review before each visa application.
If you would like assistance assessing how this may affect your immigration matters – including filing strategies, compliance planning, or addressing urgent deadlines – please contact the KLF immigration professional with whom you normally work or call us on our main line at (212) 495-9245 or fill out our contact form.