Key Highlights
Beginning August 20, 2025, the United States will launch a one-year Visa Bond Pilot Program requiring certain B-1/B-2 (business/tourist) visa applicants to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 before their visa can be issued.
This program does not apply to all applicants—it targets nationals from countries with high visa overstay rates or inadequate security screening procedures, as identified by the U.S. Department of State. Currently, this includes Malawi and Zambia.
The bond is fully refundable if the visitor leaves the United States on time but will be forfeited in full for any overstay or violation of visa conditions. Visas issued under this initiative will be single-entry and allow for a limited duration of stay.
According to the Federal Register, the goal of this program is to test a mechanism to encourage timely departures and reduce long-standing issues with visa overstays among temporary visitors.
Who Must Pay the Visa Bond?
Not every traveler will be affected. The program specifically applies to B-1/B-2 visa applicants from countries that the Department of State has identified as having significant visa overstay rates or deficient screening standards.
It may also include nationals of countries offering “Citizenship by Investment” programs that grant citizenship without substantial residency requirements.
A final list of affected countries will be published on Travel.State.Gov at least 15 days before the program begins.
Countries with the Highest Visa Overstay Rates
As of now, the Department of State has confirmed that Malawi and Zambia are included in the pilot list. Updates will be released on an official Department of State webpage as the program progresses.
Below are the top 25 countries with the highest non-immigrant business/tourist (non-VWP) overstay rates during Fiscal Year 2023, based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection data:
Rank | Country | Overstay Rate |
1 | Chad | 49.54% |
2 | Laos | 34.77% |
3 | Haiti | 31.38% |
4 | Congo (Brazzaville) | 29.63% |
5 | Burma | 27.07% |
6 | Sudan | 26.30% |
7 | Djibouti | 23.90% |
8 | Equatorial Guinea | 21.98% |
9 | Eritrea | 20.09% |
10 | Yemen | 19.76% |
11 | Liberia | 19.40% |
12 | Togo | 19.03% |
13 | Burundi | 15.35% |
14 | Turkmenistan | 15.35% |
15 | Sierra Leone | 15.43% |
16 | Congo (Kinshasa) | 15.09% |
17 | Mauritania | 14.40% |
18 | Malawi | 14.32% |
19 | Angola | 13.90% |
20 | Cabo Verde | 12.84% |
21 | Bhutan | 12.71% |
22 | Burkina Faso | 12.13% |
23 | Benin | 11.54% |
24 | Zambia | 11.11% |
25 | The Gambia | 11.05% |
Source: FY 2023 U.S. Customs and Border Protection Report.
Visa Bond Amounts and Restrictions
Under this program, U.S. consular officers have discretion to determine the bond amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—based on the applicant’s individual profile and travel history.
Key visa limitations include:
- Single entry into the United States
- Validity for three months only
- Authorized stay limited to approximately 30 days
These restrictions aim to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of extended or unauthorized stays.
Bond Payment, Refund, and Forfeiture
Visa bond payments must be made electronically via Pay.gov. While the bond is refundable, it represents a substantial financial burden for many individuals in the affected countries—often equivalent to multiple years of income.
The bond will be refunded in full if the visitor:
- Leaves the United States before the authorized stay expires, and
- Complies with all visa conditions.
However, any overstay or violation of status will result in forfeiture of the entire bond amount.
It’s also important to note that this refundable bond is separate from the non-refundable “Visa Integrity Fee” (minimum $250) required for all non-immigrant visa applications.
Program Duration and Next Steps
The Visa Bond Pilot Program will run for one year, concluding on August 5, 2026. The U.S. Department of State will assess its effectiveness in deterring visa overstays and may consider future expansion or modification based on the results.
To stay informed, applicants should regularly check Travel.State.Gov for updates and official lists of countries subject to the bond requirement.
How Green Card Link Can Help
Understanding new immigration requirements can be overwhelming. At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys can help you:
- Determine whether the Visa Bond Pilot Program applies to your situation
- Prepare and submit compliant visa applications
- Navigate bond payment and refund procedures
- Ensure you meet all U.S. entry and departure requirements
If you have questions about the Visa Bond Pilot Program or other U.S. visa categories, schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link today for clear, reliable guidance tailored to your case.