The story so far
US Visa Bond Program
Tracked across 5 sources · Updated 6h ago
The US State Department plans to make permanent a visa bond program requiring applicants from 50 countries, mostly African, to post bonds up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas. The program, initially piloted in 2025, becomes effective August 3. Countries like India are not on the list, but Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan are.
How it unfolded
10h ago
Rule effective from August 3, details clarified
1d ago
India not on list; Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan included
1d ago
State Department confirms permanent visa bond program for 50 countries
2d ago
US to make visa bond requirements permanent
What happened earlier
Latest updates
Latest
Full story →US visa bond rule for 50 countries includes India?
The US made its visa bond programme permanent for B-1 and B-2 visa applicants from 50 countries, with bond amounts up to $20,000.
The rule, effective August 3, 2026, applies to countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, but not India.
The visa bond programme was first introduced as a pilot in 2025 to test whether bonds could reduce visa overstays; the permanent rule raises the maximum bond from $15,000 to $20,000 and removes the $5,000 option.
US President Donald Trump's administration implemented the measure as part of broader immigration enforcement, with consular officers determining bond amounts on a case-by-case basis.
Immigration advocates argue the policy could discourage genuine travellers, while the US State Department says it may add more countries to the programme in the future.
Earlier · 1d ago
Full story →US to make visa bond program permanent for people from dozens of countries
The U.S. State Department will make permanent a visa bond program requiring applicants from 50 countries, mostly in Africa, to post bonds up to $20,000 for U.S. visas.
This change follows a federal notice posted online on Friday.
The program's expansion may affect visa applicants from dozens of countries.
Earlier · 1d ago
Full story →US Makes Visa Bond Program Permanent for 50 Countries
The US State Department has made its visa bond program permanent.
The program applies to B1/B2 visa applicants from 50 countries.
Consular officers can require bonds of up to $20,000.
The list of 50 countries is not specified in the article.
The policy change affects non-immigrant visa applicants from certain countries.