This is a U.S. State Department notice explaining mandatory “visa bonds” for some B1/B2 (visitor) visa applicants from specific countries. Here is what it means, plainly.
Who it applies to
Nationals of the listed countries who apply for U.S. tourist/business visas (B1/B2) and are otherwise eligible. It does not apply to every applicant automatically, but consular officers decide case-by-case.
What the bond is
The traveler must pay a refundable cash bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 before a visa can be issued.
The amount is set at the interview.
Why the U.S. is doing this
The rule targets countries with high visa overstay rates. The bond is meant to pressure people not to overstay.
How it works
• You only pay the bond after a consular officer instructs you to do so.
• You submit DHS Form I-352 and pay through Pay.gov.
• Never pay third-party websites. Payments made without instruction are not refunded.
• Paying the bond does NOT guarantee a visa.
Entry/Exit restriction
If you paid a bond, you must enter and leave the U.S. only through:
• Boston (BOS)
• New York JFK
• Washington Dulles (IAD)
If you don’t, you risk denial or your departure not being recorded.
When you get the money back automatically
The bond is canceled and refunded if:
• You leave the U.S. on or before your authorized stay, or
• You never use the visa, or
• You are denied entry at the border
When you lose the money (bond breach)
DHS/USCIS will treat the bond as breached if:
• You overstay, or
• You remain in the U.S. without status, or
• You apply to adjust status (including asylum)
For B1/B2 applicants from the listed countries, the U.S. may require a $5k–$15k security deposit to discourage overstays. Follow the rules, exit on time, and the money is returned. Break the rules and you lose it.
