State Department Says No Countries Currently Subject to U.S. Visitor Visa Bonds
Key Takeaways
- The State Department’s updated notice indicates no countries are currently subject to U.S. visitor visa bond requirements.
- The 2020 Visa Bond Pilot, which ran from December 24, 2020, to June 24, 2021, allowed consular officers to require $5,000–$15,000 bonds for certain B-1/B-2 applicants from high overstay-rate countries.
- For now, B-1/B-2 (business/tourism) visa applicants should not expect a bond requirement, but the policy framework could be revived.
- When used, bonds are refundable upon timely departure and forfeited in cases of overstay or status violation.
What’s New
According to a State Department notice, there are currently no countries subject to U.S. visitor visa bonds. This means B-1/B-2 (business/tourism) visa applicants should not be asked to post a bond as a condition of visa issuance at this time. The Department’s “Countries Subject to Visa Bonds” page functions as the official indicator of any nation-specific bond requirements and will be the first place an update appears if the policy is reactivated.
Background and Policy Context
The visa bond policy emerged as a limited Visa Bond Pilot launched in late 2020. Under that pilot, U.S. consular officers could require a refundable bond—typically $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—from certain B-1/B-2 applicants whose home countries had high overstay rates, as measured in Department of Homeland Security reports. The pilot ended on June 24, 2021. Unlike actions by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), which governs benefits inside the U.S., this was a State Department consular policy applied at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad during visa issuance.
What This Means for Travelers Now
For individuals planning short business trips or tourism, this is a practical relief: no extra bond payment to budget, no added paperwork, and fewer post-approval steps. That said, applicants should monitor the State Department page before scheduling interviews, as any future reinstatement would be posted there. If a bond program returns, remember the core mechanics: the bond is posted before visa issuance, is refundable after timely departure and compliance, and can be forfeited if the traveler overstays or violates status.
Source: Original Article