US visa bond: Is India affected from $20,000 deposit rule? Check full list

The US has implemented modifications to its visa bond programme, mandating that qualified candidates from 50 nations submit a refundable monetary guarantee ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 before the issuance of designated B1/B2 business and leisure visas.

The US visa bond program now mandates a monetary guarantee from qualified individuals in 50 nations for B1/B2 visas, effective October 2026. (AFP)The State Department finalized its comprehensive roster on October 2, 2026. The initiative functions pursuant to Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and was established as a permanent measure via a conclusive regulation that became effective on August 3, 2026.

A US visa bond represents a monetary deposit that certain applicants are obligated to submit in order to qualify for a B1/B2 visa. The B1/B2 classification encompasses temporary stays for commercial purposes and leisure travel.

For people from nations included on the specified roster who otherwise satisfy visa eligibility requirements, a US consular official possesses the authority to mandate a bond ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. The precise amount is determined during the visa interview process.

The bond functions distinctly from a visa application fee. It may be returned provided that the traveler adheres to all stipulated conditions, including departure from the US prior to the expiration of the authorized stay. However, submission of the bond does not assure that visa approval will be granted.

The Department of State has warned prospective applicants against submitting any financial contributions before receiving explicit instruction from a consular official. Those applicants who are required to submit a bond must complete the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and remit payment via the authorized Pay.gov platform.

The United States has implemented this bond requirement in response to documented visa overstay patterns. According to the State Department, the initiative directly addresses B1/B2 visa overstay rates identified in the Department of Homeland Security's Entry/Exit Overstay Report. The regulation aims to guarantee that temporary visitors maintain their nonimmigrant status and depart the country as scheduled.

Individuals who secure a bond must also comply with specific entry and exit requirements. They are required to use designated commercial airports, including qualifying CBP preclearance facilities, for both arrival and departure. Under the bond conditions, travelers cannot enter or leave through land borders, seaports, charter flights, or general aviation services.

India does not appear on the current US visa bond list. Indian passport holders are therefore not required to post a visa bond based solely on their nationality under the existing programme. The updated list encompasses 50 nations distributed across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific regions, with India notably absent from this designation.

Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More