New US Visa Bond Requirement for 50 Countries, Excluding India

The United States has implemented a new visa bond program that requires nationals from 50 countries to provide financial guarantees ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 when applying for B1/B2 tourist and business visas. This program is part of an effort to address concerns regarding visa overstays.

Details of the Visa Bond Requirement

Under the new mandate, consular officers will determine the specific bond amount required during the visa interview. The bond amount can be set at $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 based on the applicant's profile and previous overstay rates from their country.

Countries Affected

The list of countries affected by this requirement includes several from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Notably, South Asian countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh are included, while India is exempt from this program.

Application Process

To apply for a B1/B2 visa, applicants must first fill out the necessary forms and attend a visa interview. If a bond is required, applicants will be instructed to pay the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov. It is important to note that this bond is different from the visa fee; it is refundable if the visa conditions are met.

This new requirement is aimed at improving compliance with visa regulations among travelers from the listed countries. While not every applicant from these nations will be required to post a bond, those who do must adhere to the rules to ensure the return of their bond after compliance with visa conditions.