Visa Bond Background
The Visa Bond pilot program was initially introduced in 2020, but was not implemented due to the reduction in travel resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the U.S. government has introduced several initiatives targeting visa compliance aimed to hold foreign governments accountable for their own screening practices. The Visa Bond program follows the Visa Integrity Fee of $250 introduced in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for nonimmigrant visa applications. The Visa Bond pilot program imposes a significant burden to a B1/B2 visa applicant, given that it can reach up to $15,000 based on the consular officer’s determination. Affected applicants must also submit Form I-352 agreeing to the terms of the bond and post payment through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s website.
Designated Ports of Entry for Visa Bond Participants
Countries that are subject to the visa-bond requirements must enter and depart the U.S. through one of the following designated international airports:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS);
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York;
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Bond Cancellation and Breach
According to the DOS announcement4, the bond money will be returned to the applicant once the visa holder:
- departs the U.S. on or before the date he or she is authorized to remain in the U.S.; or
- does not travel to the U.S.; or
- is denied admission at the U.S. port of entry.
If the visa holder violates the conditions of his or her visa or applies to adjust status (including asylum claims), the bond deposit will be considered forfeited. While the detailed process for the return of the bond remains uncertain, the DOS has indicated that the applicant will receive the full bond amount along with a “Notice – Immigration Bond Cancelled” (Form I-391) once the conditions of the bond agreement have been fulfilled, based on the information reported through the Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS).
Alternatively, an applicant may pursue a manual cancellation of the bond by requesting an appointment with a consular officer at a U.S. consulate abroad within 30 days of his/her departure. The consular officer will approve the appointment if he or she determines that the applicant’s departure was not recorded in ADIS.
Update to Department of State’s Waiver of Non-Immigrant Visa Interviews
The Department of State announced that as of September 2, 2025, there will be a change to those foreign nationals eligible for a waiver of their non-immigrant visa interview.5 All foreign nationals, even those under 14 and over 79 years old, will require a visa interview with a consular officer, except for those that fall under the following categories:
- Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
- Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
- Applicants renewing full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance – specifically, these applicants must:
- apply in their country of nationality or residence;
- have never been refused a visa (unless such renewal was overcome or waived); and
- have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Nota Bene: Consular officers maintain the discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.
