Visas: Visa Bond Program
What happened
This final rule, signed by Donald Trump and effective August 3, 2026, makes permanent a Visa Bond Program. Consular officers may require aliens applying for B-1/B-2 visas to submit a bond of up to $20,000 to ensure they maintain nonimmigrant status and depart the U.S. as required. This action finalizes a temporary pilot program launched on August 20, 2025.
Why it matters
This program aims to address the issue of hundreds of thousands of nonimmigrant visitors failing to timely depart the U.S. The required bond acts as a financial incentive for visitors to comply with their visa terms. This rule also responds to Executive Order 14159, "Protecting the American People Against Invasion."
Who it affects
- ›Temporary visitors for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2 visa applicants)
- ›Nationals of countries with high overstay rates
- ›Consular officers issuing B-1/B-2 visas
- ›Department of State, Homeland Security, and Treasury
The receipts are official. The summary is ours.
Read on Federal Register ↗Summaries are generated from the official text and may simplify or omit nuance. The official document is the source of truth.