Bangladeshi citizens planning to travel to the United States will soon face a significant new financial requirement. Under the updated US Visa Bond Program, Bangladesh has been added to the list of countries whose nationals may be required to deposit a visa bond of up to USD 15,000 to obtain certain US non-immigrant visas. This new rule will come into effect from January 21.
Why Has Bangladesh Been Included in the Visa Bond List?
On January 6, the US Department of State updated its list of countries covered under the Visa Bond Program, adding Bangladesh to the list. With this update, the total number of countries included has risen to 38. According to US authorities, the program primarily targets countries whose citizens have a relatively higher rate of visa overstays, cases where travelers remain in the US beyond their authorized period. The Visa Bond Program is part of a pilot initiative, first introduced in August last year with a limited number of countries.
Which US Visas Are Affected?
The visa bond may be applied to temporary non-immigrant visas, particularly:
- B1 Visa (Business Visitors)
- B2 Visa (Tourism and Short-Term Visitors)
However, the bond is not mandatory for all applicants. Even if an applicant meets all visa requirements, a consular officer has the discretion to impose a visa bond based on individual assessment. The decision depends entirely on the officer’s evaluation during the visa interview.
How Much Is the Visa Bond?
The visa bond amount is set in three tiers:
- USD 5,000
- USD 10,000
- USD 15,000
The exact amount will be determined based on the applicant’s personal profile, travel purpose, financial background, and interview assessment.
How to Pay the Visa Bond
If required, the visa bond must be paid through Pay.gov, the official online payment platform of the US Treasury Department. Applicants are strongly advised not to make any payment unless they receive written instructions from the US consular officer.
Is the Visa Bond Refundable?
Yes, the visa bond is refundable if all conditions are met. According to the US Department of State, the deposited amount will be returned if:
- The traveler leaves the US on or before the authorized stay period
- The applicant receives a visa but does not travel to the US
- Entry to the US is denied at the port of entry
However, the bond will be forfeited if:
- The traveler overstays beyond the permitted duration
- The traveler applies for a change of visa status while in the US, such as requesting asylum
Restricted Entry Airports for Bond Holders
Additional entry restrictions apply to travelers required to pay a visa bond. Such travelers must enter the United States through one of the following three designated airports only:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Entering the US through any other airport may be considered a violation of visa bond conditions, potentially complicating the refund process.
Expert Opinions
Experts believe that this policy will make travel to the United States more expensive and complex for Bangladeshi nationals. Those planning short-term visits for tourism, business, or family purposes will need greater financial preparedness and careful compliance with visa conditions. A visa bond functions as a financial guarantee ensuring that travelers comply with visa rules, particularly the length of stay. While many countries require proof of sufficient funds during visa applications, the practice of collecting a refundable cash bond is relatively uncommon globally. Similar initiatives were previously tested in countries such as New Zealand and the United Kingdom, but were later discontinued.