New Bond Requirement For B-1/B-2 Visa Applicants

As the Trump Administration continues to make changes to U.S. immigration policy, a new requirement for B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post bonds for short stays in the U.S. has raised questions. From August 20, 2025 to August 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will run a Pilot Program that requires B-1 temporary business or B-2 tourist visa applicants from Malawi, Zambia, and potentially other countries, to post a bond in the amount of $10,000 U.S. Dollars (as adjusted or waived at the consular officer's discretion) in order to be issued the B-1/B-2 visa. The stated purpose of the bond is to discourage B-1/B-2 visa holders from overstaying their allowed stays in the U.S., which are indicated on the I-94 admission record accessible here. Subject to government determination, the bond will be refunded if the B-1/B-2 visa holder: