Tariq Iqbal Chaudhry
The United States has permanently implemented the visa bond program introduced for tourist and business visas (B1/B2); however, Pakistan will remain exempt from this program. Under the new policy, only citizens of selected countries will be required to post a refundable financial bond of $10,000 to $20,000 before their visa is issued.
According to the list published in the US Federal Register, 50 countries have been included in this program, among them Bangladesh and Nepal from South Asia, while Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Iran are not part of the list. In addition to a large number of African countries, several nations from the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific will also be subject to this requirement.
Why the Visa Bond Introduced?
According to the US State Department, this decision was made after reviewing the results of the pilot visa bond program launched in 2025. Officials say the program led to a significant reduction in cases of illegal overstays after visa expiration and improved enforcement of immigration laws.
According to official figures, in fiscal year 2024, 45,488 citizens from these countries remained in the US despite their visas having expired, whereas during the first 10 months of the pilot program, such cases numbered fewer than 50.
Under the new policy, US consular officers will assess each applicant’s circumstances individually and may set a bond of $10,000, $15,000, or up to a maximum of $20,000. This decision will take into account the applicant’s financial standing, employment, purpose of travel, educational background, ties to the US, and the likelihood of compliance with immigration laws.
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Will the Money Be Refunded?
According to US officials, if the visa holder leaves the US within the specified period and complies with all visa conditions, the bond amount deposited will be fully refunded. However, if a person overstays, violates visa conditions, or attempts to change their immigration status without authorization, the entire bond amount may be forfeited.
Officials have made clear that this program will apply only to applicants for business (B1) and tourist (B2) visas, and that Pakistani citizens will not, for now, face this financial guarantee requirement when obtaining a US visa.
