Federal Register #2026-15726

State Department Establishes Permanent Visa Bond Program for Certain B-1/B-2 Applicants

The U.S. Department of State has announced the permanent establishment of a Visa Bond Program for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Services Office - Program Details: - Applies to B-1/B-2 visa applicants (temporary visitors for business or pleasure) from countries with high overstay rates and deficient screening - Requires posting of a bond in the amount of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, determined by consular officers based on applicant circumstances - Bonds are posted electronically via a Treasury platform and are refundable upon compliance with visa terms - Bond amounts will adjust for inflation every seven years - Excludes Visa Waiver Program countries - Includes waiver authority for humanitarian or national interest cases - No OEMs, vendors, or commercial products/services are involved, as this is a regulatory program - No procurement of goods or services is taking place

Description

This final rule establishes a permanent Visa Bond Program following a 12-month pilot program that began in August 2025. It requires certain nonimmigrant visa applicants, specifically those applying for B-1/B-2 visas (temporary visitors for business or pleasure), to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance. The bond ensures that the visa holder maintains their nonimmigrant status and departs the United States as required. The bond amount is determined by consular officers based on the applicant's circumstances and can be $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000. The program aims to improve compliance with visa conditions and reduce overstays.

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