U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program for Nepalese and Other Nationals
The U.S. Department of State has implemented a visa bond pilot program under a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) to reduce B1/B2 visa overstays. The program applies to nationals from countries identified as having high overstay rates, insufficient screening information, or Citizenship by Investment programs, which allow individuals to obtain citizenship without living in the country.
Under this program, any citizen or national from the listed countries who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the exact amount determined by the consular officer during the visa interview. This ensures compliance with U.S. entry and exit rules.
Effective Dates:
The TFR and pilot program are effective August 20, 2025, through August 5, 2026. For Nepal, the bond requirement begins January 21, 2026. Other countries have varying start dates, some already in effect in 2025.
Countries Subject to Visa Bonds:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Cote D’Ivorie, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Bond Requirements:
Payment is allowed only after direction by a consular officer via the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Pay.gov platform.
Applicants must submit DHS Form I-352.
Paying without consular instruction does not guarantee visa issuance or a refund.
Designated Ports of Entry:
Visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the U.S. through:
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Compliance and Refunds:
The bond will be refunded automatically if:
The visa holder departs the U.S. on or before the authorized stay.
The visa holder does not travel before the visa expires.
Admission is denied at a U.S. port of entry.
Breach of Bond:
Potential violations are reviewed by USCIS. Breaches include:
Overstaying the authorized period.
Failing to depart on time.
Applying for a change of status, including asylum.
Conclusion:
All eligible Nepalese B1/B2 applicants, as well as nationals from the other listed countries, are required to post a visa bond. Applicants should carefully follow consular instructions and retain all records. Compliance ensures proper entry and exit and protects the posted bond.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Source: U.S. Department of State – Countries Subject to Visa Bonds (Last updated January 6, 2026)
