Archive · 5 Oct 2026
US Requires Visa Bonds Up to $20,000 From 50 Countries
The United States is asking some people applying for visas to pay a bond of up to $20,000.
The rule covers people from 50 countries, but not India.
A consular officer must ask for the bond before the applicant pays it.
The money can come from the applicant or someone else.
Paying does not mean the person will receive a visa.
The bond can be returned if the person follows its rules, including leaving the United States on time.
Bond holders must use commercial air ports to enter and leave.
Breaking the rules or overstaying can put the bond at risk.
The US visa bond requirement covers applicants from 50 countries and can reach $20,000.
India is not on the list; Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan are included.
Applicants submit Form I-352 and pay through Pay.gov only after a consular officer requests it.
The bond does not guarantee a visa and may be returned if its conditions are met.
Bond holders must use commercial air ports of entry; overstays and certain immigration applications may breach the bond.
- Who
- Visa applicants from 50 listed countries; India is not included.
- What
- The United States is requiring qualifying applicants to post a visa bond of up to $20,000 when a consular officer asks them to do so.
- When
- Bangladesh and Nepal have been covered since January 21, 2026, and Bhutan since January 1; several other countries were added on April 2.
- Where
- The United States; bond holders must enter and exit through commercial air ports of entry, including preclearance locations.
- Why
- The article does not state the reason for imposing the bond.
Bond conditions
Applicant protections
Purpose and consequences of the bond
Bond conditions
The bond may be breached if a visa holder overstays, violates its conditions, or makes certain untimely immigration applications; filing Form I-589 for asylum or other humanitarian protection is listed as a possible breach.
Applicant protections
The article says the bond is returned when the applicant follows its conditions, including leaving the US on time through a commercial air port of entry. Paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
- Maximum bond
- Up to $20,000
- Countries covered
- 50
- Payment process
- Applicants submit Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and pay through Pay.gov, but only after a consular officer requests it.
- Who can pay
- The applicant or a third party, such as a friend, family member, or business associate.
- Permitted entry and exit
- Commercial air ports of entry, including Customs and Border Protection preclearance locations.
- Earlier additions
- Bhutan was added from January 1, 2026; Bangladesh and Nepal from January 21, 2026. Several other countries were added on April 2.
- India
- India is not included on the list.