Visa Bond Pilot Program for B 1/B 2 Applicants

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) establishing a 12-month visa bond pilot program, which applies to B1/B2 visa applicants from select countries with high overstay rates, deficient vetting data, or citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs. This pilot requires visa applicants to post a Maintenance of Status and Departure Bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at the Consular Officer’s discretion, before visa issuance. Details of the program, including how