Early payment does not guarantee US visa
Diplomatic Correspondent :
The US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday warns the mandatory visa bond requirement for Bangladeshi citizens applying for B1/B2 business and tourist visas will start on January 21.
Under the policy, approved applicants will be required to post a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with the exact amount determined by a US consular officer at the time of the visa interview.
The bond must be paid only after visa approval and only through the US Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov system, following direct instructions from the consulate, said a notice on US Embassy Facebook post.
US authorities have warned applicants not to pay any money in advance and to avoid third-party agents or websites.
“Do not pay your bond in advance. Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party site can be scams. Any payment made before your interview is not refundable. The bond will be returned if you respect the terms of your visa,” the Embassy said.
The bond requirement will apply to new B1/B2 visa applicants from Bangladesh and several other countries identified by the US Department of Homeland Security as having higher rates of visa overstays.
Other affected countries include Nepal, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Afghanistan, though rollout dates differ by country. The rule does not apply to travelers who already hold a valid B1/B2 visa issued before January 21, 2026.
According to US officials, the bond will be refunded if the visa holder departs the United States on or before the authorized stay period or if the visa expires without being used.
Travelers may be required to enter and leave the US through designated ports of entry, including major international airports.
A bond may be forfeited if the visa holder overstays, violates visa conditions, or seeks to adjust immigration status, including applying for asylum. In such cases, the matter will be referred to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for a formal breach determination.
The measure has been introduced under Section 221(g)(3) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act through a Temporary Final Rule and will operate initially as a pilot program.
US authorities say the policy may be reviewed or expanded based on compliance outcomes.
The decision is expected to significantly increase the upfront cost of short-term travel to the United States for Bangladeshi visitors, raising concerns among prospective travelers and travel industry stakeholders ahead of the 2026 travel season.