US Visa Bond Pilot Program: What You Must Know in 2025
by Travelopod
August 06, 2025
The United States is testing a new rule for visitors traveling to the US, whether for business or holiday purposes. This new rule, or the Visa Bond Pilot Program, is a trial that will run from August 20, 2025, through August 5, 2026. If you are hoping to visit America, especially if you are from certain countries, you need to understand these upcoming changes and how they work.
What is the Visa Bond Pilot Program?
What is the Visa Bond Pilot Program?
The Visa Bond Pilot Program is designed to help the US government ensure that visitors do not stay beyond their visa allowance. If you want a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa and are from a country whose residents have overstayed, you may be required to pay a deposit, also known as a “bond.”
The “bond” is like an insurance payment. You pay it before you get your visa. If you leave the US on time, as you promised, you get all your money back. If you overstay your visa, your bond won’t be refunded.
Who Has to Pay This Bond?
Who Has to Pay This Bond?
Not everyone needs to pay the bond. As of now, this “bond” is only applicable to travelers from the two countries: Malawi and Zambia.
The US State Department can announce more countries later. If they do, they will give at least 15 days’ notice on their official website.
Good News is that if you're from India and many other countries that have not been listed, you don't need to worry about the bond fees at this time. However, it’s always smart to check the list before you apply for a visa.
How Much is the Bond and How Long Does it Last?
How Much is the Bond and How Long Does it Last?
The bond amount depends on what the US consular officer decides for each person. It could vary from $5,000 to $15,000 based on factors such as your reason for visiting, previous travel experience, and reason to return to your country.
Visas following the Visa Bond Pilot Program typically allow one entry with a validity of 3 months. You can stay in the U.S. for up to 30 days.
How Do You Pay the Bond?
How Do You Pay the Bond?
If you are chosen for the bond program, you pay the bond directly to the US government, often using the website www.pay.gov and a form called I-352. Your visa will have a special note (annotation) to show that you have paid the bond.
Getting Your Bond Money Back
Getting Your Bond Money Back
If you abide by all visa conditions and exit the U.S. on time, your full bond amount will be returned. But if you overstay even one day or break visa rules, you lose all your bond money.
Why is the US Doing This?
Why is the US Doing This?
The program is supposed to help reduce the problem of people overstaying their visit to the US. There has been an increase in cases where visitors did not leave on time. The bond will encourage visitors to leave on time and follow the rules.
Other Important Visa Changes
Other Important Visa Changes
- If you win the Diversity Visa Lottery, you must show a valid passport from your country.
- Some older exceptions that made getting a visa easier are now gone.
These changes make it harder to cheat the system and help keep US borders safe.
What Should You Do If You Want to Visit the US?
What Should You Do If You Want to Visit the US?
- Always check the current rules and the list of bond countries on the official US State Department website before you apply.
- Plan your travel early. Processing of visas may take additional time if new rules are added for your country.
- If you are informed to pay a bond, keep all your payment records handy.
- If you are not from Malawi or Zambia, you probably do not need to worry about this program—just stay updated in case your country is added later.
Final Tips
Final Tips
- Follow all rules! If you are asked to pay a bond, take the visa dates seriously.
- Always check for rule changes on official websites.
- Keep your plans flexible and allow a little more time and budget for your trip in case new costs pop up.
For now, the Visa Bond system is only on a one-year trial basis. The US government will see if it helps stop people from overstaying. If it works, they might keep it, change it, or stop it. For now, knowing these basics will help make your US travel plans smoother and with no surprises.
Searching for cheap flights from the US to India? Discover super-saver phone-only fares with Travelopod by calling +1-929-269-8013.
EXPLORE MORE
