The U.S. Department of State has implemented a visa bond pilot program targeting travelers from Malawi and Zambia. Effective August 20, 2025, nationals of these two countries applying for a B1/B2 visa must pay a visa bond if selected under the program.
This policy is rooted in Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and formalized through a Temporary Final Rule published in the Federal Register. The rule aims to address high overstay rates as documented in the Department of Homeland Security’s Fiscal Year 2023 Overstay Report.
Who Must Pay a Visa Bond?
Any citizen of Malawi or Zambia applying for a U.S. B1/B2 visitor visa whether for business or tourism may be asked to pay a visa bond. This applies regardless of where the applicant submits the visa application.
The visa bond requirement is not automatic. It is determined during the visa interview. If selected, the consular officer will inform the applicant of the required bond amount, which will be either $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The exact amount is based on various risk assessments, including historical overstay trends.
How to Pay a U.S. Visa Bond
Once directed by a consular officer, the applicant must complete DHS Form I-352 (Immigration Bond). Payment must be made securely through Pay.gov, the U.S. Treasury’s official payment platform.
Important Warnings:
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Do not pay the visa bond unless you are explicitly instructed to do so by a U.S. consular officer.
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Payments made outside the Pay.gov system or via unauthorized third-party sites are non-refundable.
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A paid visa bond does not guarantee visa approval. It only satisfies the bond requirement.
U.S. Ports of Entry for Visa Bond Travelers
To ensure compliance, all travelers admitted under this program must enter and exit the United States exclusively through one of three designated airports:
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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failing to use these ports may result in denied entry or improper registration of departure, which could forfeit the bond.
When Is the Visa Bond Refunded?
A visa bond is refundable if the visa holder fully complies with the conditions outlined in the Form I-352 and in the Federal Register.
The bond will be refunded if:
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The traveler leaves the U.S. on or before the authorized departure date.
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The visa holder never uses the visa and does not travel to the U.S.
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The visa holder arrives at a U.S. port of entry and is denied admission.
In these cases, the U.S. government will cancel the bond and automatically refund the full amount.
What Constitutes a Visa Bond Breach?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is responsible for deciding if a bond has been breached.
Breach scenarios include:
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Staying in the U.S. beyond the authorized period without leaving.
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Failing to exit through one of the required airports.
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Attempting to adjust status (e.g., filing for asylum) without prior authorization.
Once a breach is confirmed, the bond is forfeited. The applicant loses the entire bond amount and may face long-term visa ineligibility.
For guidance on immigration petitions or lawful status adjustments, consult our immigration law services.
Why the U.S. Government Is Enforcing Visa Bonds
The visa bond program is a targeted enforcement mechanism. DHS data showed that certain countries consistently had higher-than-average overstay rates for B1/B2 visitors. The Department of State and DHS jointly determined that requiring financial surety would deter visa misuse and encourage compliance.
Malawi and Zambia were selected based on their documented FY 2023 overstay rates. The program will be evaluated regularly and may be expanded, reduced, or canceled depending on results and public feedback.
According to the Federal Register Notice, the aim is not to punish applicants but to reduce systemic noncompliance with immigration laws.
Legal Concerns and Transparency
Visa bonds have generated significant discussion in immigration law circles. Critics say the program places an unfair burden on low-income applicants. Supporters argue that it protects the integrity of the U.S. visa system.
There is no appeal process if an applicant is selected for the bond requirement. However, consular discretion allows officers to consider individual factors in the bond amount determination. Applicants concerned about the process should seek legal advice from certified immigration professionals.
For more insights, see our article on GCMS Notes and how they influence visa adjudications.
What Travelers Should Do Now
If you are a citizen of Malawi or Zambia planning a visit to the United States on a B1/B2 visa, the new visa bond policy introduces additional steps and responsibilities you must not ignore. Here’s a breakdown of what you should do to prepare effectively and stay compliant:
1. Review the Official U.S. Visa Application Process
Start by thoroughly understanding the B1/B2 visa application procedure as outlined on the U.S. Department of State website. The key steps include:
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Completing the DS-160 form.
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Paying the nonrefundable visa application fee.
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Scheduling and attending your visa interview.
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Preparing the correct supporting documentation.
During your visa appointment, the consular officer will determine whether a visa bond is required. Do not assume eligibility or attempt to pay the bond before being instructed to do so.
2. Be Prepared to Explain the Purpose and Details of Your Trip
Consular officers will evaluate your intent and credibility during the interview. Be ready to clearly explain:
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Why you are visiting the U.S. (business, tourism, or both).
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How long you plan to stay and what dates.
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Where you will stay (hotel reservations or invitation letters).
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Who is sponsoring your trip, if applicable.
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What ties you have to your home country (employment, family, financial assets).
Strong ties to Malawi or Zambia will demonstrate that you have reasons to return, reducing the perception of overstay risk and possibly influencing whether a visa bond is imposed.
3. Understand the Visa Bond Requirement and Don’t Pay Until Instructed
If you’re selected under the pilot program, you will be required to pay a visa bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 but only after a consular officer gives you formal instructions.
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Wait for official guidance during or after your interview.
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Do not attempt to pay through unofficial platforms. All payments must be made through Pay.gov using Form I-352.
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Keep proof of payment and correspondence in a safe place.
Paying a bond does not guarantee that your visa will be approved, and the bond will not be refunded if you made payment without authorization.
4. Track Your Visa Validity and Plan Your Departure Early
Once in the U.S., it is your responsibility to:
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Monitor your authorized stay: usually indicated on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
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Exit the country before your permitted date, even if your visa remains valid. Overstaying even by one day can trigger a breach of the visa bond and affect future visa eligibility.
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Keep copies of your departure itinerary, boarding pass, and entry/exit stamps as proof of compliance.
Accurate recordkeeping helps protect your bond refund and avoids complications with U.S. immigration enforcement.
5. Use Only the Approved U.S. Ports of Entry and Exit
To comply with the conditions tied to your visa bond, you must arrive and depart through one of the following U.S. airports:
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Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Do not enter or leave through any other airport. Doing so may result in your departure not being registered, leading to a bond forfeiture and a potential visa overstay flag.
Ensure your flight bookings align with these entry points, even if it’s less convenient. This is a non-negotiable compliance term under the pilot program.
6. Consult a Licensed Immigration Expert if You’re Unsure
If you are uncertain about your visa eligibility, bond conditions, or risk of denial, it’s wise to speak with a licensed immigration attorney or a trusted agency like Maple Crest Immigration.
Our experienced team can:
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Help you prepare for your interview with the right documentation.
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Explain visa bond procedures in detail.
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Guide you through lawful strategies for adjusting your status or extending your stay if needed.
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Support you in recovering your bond after departure.
Don’t navigate the process alone. Reach out to Maple Crest Immigration today for a tailored consultation. Our firm understands the nuances of U.S. immigration laws and we help clients turn complicated rules into successful outcomes.
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