On August 05, 2025, the US Department of State (“State Department”) published a temporary final rule within the US Federal Registrar (“Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program”) launching a 12-month “visa bond” pilot program requiring select travelers on B-1/B-2 visas to post bonds.
Effective August 20, 2025, nationals of identified countries that have a high rate of overstaying a B-1/B-2 visa will be subject to a “visa bond”. Per the State Department, Malawi and Zambia have been identified as countries with nationals who overstay their visitor visas. The bonds are expected to be $10,000 per adult and $5,000 per child or $15,000 (to be determined at the time of the interview) as a condition of entry. The State Department will consider several factors such as purpose of travel, current employment, income, skills, and education to set the bond. Once the Consular officer has set the bond, applicants will need to submit a Form I-352 to post a bond after being directed to do so by an officer. Applicants will be provided a direct link and must pay via Pay.gov – applicants must not use any third-party website for posting.
Bonds will be refunded if travelers arrive, and leave the US on a timely basis using designated ports of entry: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Bonds will also be refunded if the visa holder does not travel to the United States prior to the visa expiration date, or is denied admission to the United States at the port of entry.
The bond will be considered in breach if the visa holder departs the United States after the granted duration of stay, does not depart the United States, or applies to adjust status, including claiming asylum.
The rule is intended to bolster the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement under existing legal authority and aligns with broader efforts to strengthen national security. For more information, please refer to the Department of State website. Vialto will continue to monitor the impact of this policy change and provide further updates once they are available.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Manish Daftari
Partner
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