U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program: What Travelers Need to Know

The U.S. Department of State has announced a 12-month pilot program that may require certain visitors from select countries to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 in order to obtain a temporary B-1/B-2 visa. This initiative, which begins on August 20, 2025, will initially apply to nationals of Malawi and Zambia, and may be expanded to additional countries.

The program is designed to test whether financial bonds can be used as an effective tool to reduce visa overstays and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration rules. While the measure is limited in scope, it raises important considerations for travelers, families, and businesses.

How the Program Works

Eligible Applicants

The bond requirement applies only to citizens of designated countries with historically high visa overstay rates. At the start of the program, only Malawi and Zambia are included. The Department of State has indicated it will provide at least 15 days’ notice before expanding the list.

Bond Amounts and Conditions

Consular officers have discretion to require a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined on a case-by-case basis and is intended to reflect the risk of overstay.

Applicants must pay the bond electronically through Pay.gov using Form I-352. The bond is refundable if the visa holder complies fully with the terms of the visa and departs the United States within the authorized period of stay. If the traveler overstays, violates the visa, or attempts to adjust status without authorization, the bond may be forfeited.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa holders under this program must enter and depart the United States through one of three airports:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Failure to comply with this requirement could jeopardize refund eligibility.

Visa Validity and Duration of Stay

The visas issued under this program are single-entry visas, valid for three months from the date of issuance. Upon arrival, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may authorize a stay of up to 30 days. This is far more restrictive than the typical six-month stay permitted under most B-2 visas.

Program Timeline

The pilot will operate from August 20, 2025, to August 6, 2026. Approximately 2,000 applicants are expected to be affected during this period. After the program concludes, bonds will no longer be required for new applications, but existing bonds may remain pending until resolved.

Practical Implications for Travelers

Financial Burden

Even if refundable, the requirement to post thousands of dollars upfront creates a significant financial barrier. For many families and small businesses, this may make travel to the United States impractical.

Limited Flexibility

Restrictions on entry points, single-entry validity, and short authorized stays make it difficult for applicants to plan extended travel, attend multiple business meetings, or visit relatives for longer periods.

Legal and Operational Complexity

The additional requirements, including the use of Form I-352, online payment procedures, and strict compliance with entry and exit conditions, add new layers of complexity. Errors or misunderstandings could result in bond forfeiture or loss of future visa eligibility.

Impact on Broader Immigration Options

Applicants considering future immigration benefits, such as changing to student status or applying for asylum, should be cautious. Pursuing these options could conflict with bond conditions and result in forfeiture.

Why the U.S. Government is Testing This Program

The bond pilot program reflects longstanding concerns about visa overstays. According to the Department of Homeland Security, even small percentages of overstays can result in thousands of unauthorized residents each year. By requiring financial guarantees, the U.S. aims to reduce overstay rates and encourage foreign governments to strengthen their own exit controls.

The program is also an administrative test. Historically, bond programs were viewed as burdensome to manage. This pilot will help determine whether modern systems can efficiently handle the collection, monitoring, and refunding of bonds.

What Travelers Should Do

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm whether your country is included before beginning the application process.

2. Understand the Risks: Review the financial and legal consequences of posting a bond. Non-compliance can result in forfeiture and future visa complications.

3. Plan Carefully: Align travel dates with the visa’s three-month validity and be prepared to comply with entry and exit requirements.

4. Seek Professional Guidance: Because the program introduces new conditions and risks, legal advice can be essential in navigating the application process and avoiding costly mistakes.

Conclusion

The U.S. visa bond pilot program represents a significant shift in how the government addresses concerns about overstays. For nationals of Malawi and Zambia, it creates substantial financial and logistical challenges, even for short visits. Although the program is temporary and limited, its outcomes could shape future immigration policy.

Travelers affected by this requirement should prepare carefully and consider professional guidance before moving forward. Tran Flores Law is available to help individuals and families understand their options and comply with the program’s conditions. To discuss your case, you can schedule a consultation with Tran Flores Law by calling (512) 894-9984.