On Monday, the US Department of State (DOS) issued a Temporary Final Rule establishing a 12-month visa bond pilot program for visitors seeking B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas from selected countries.

Under this new rule consular officers may require applicants to post a bond valued at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on the officer’s assessment of the applicants risk of overstaying or failing to comply to visa conditions.

Effective August 20, 2025, the program will continue until August 5, 2026. The department will publish the list of covered countries at least 15 days before the rule’s implementation and may amend it during the pilot with similar notice. B-1/B-2 visa holders from Visa Waiver Program countries are exempt , as they do not apply for visas.

Applicants

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