Key Points
- The US will implement a visa bond requirement for Malawi and Zambia B-1/B-2 applicants beginning August 20, 2025.
- Bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 may be imposed based on overstay risk and consular discretion.
- Designated entry and exit must occur through BOS, JFK, or IAD airports.
- Bonds are refundable upon timely departure but forfeited in cases of overstay or status change.
Overview
On August 5, 2025, the United States Department of State announced that, beginning August 20, 2025, citizens of Malawi and Zambia applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas will be required to post a visa bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Criteria for Bond Requirement
This measure is based on elevated overstay rates reported for these countries in the FY 2023 data and is authorized under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule launching the 12-month-long Visa Bond Pilot Program. According to this Rule, B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants who are nationals of countries identified by the Department of State as:
- Having high visa overstay rates.
- Lacking sufficient screening and vetting information.
- Offering Citizenship by Investment programs with no residency requirement.
Bond Payment Details
Consular officers have the discretion to require applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition for receiving a visa.
The announcement further outlines the following key details:
- The bond amounts are: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000,
- The amount is determined during the visa interview,
- It must be paid via pay.gov using Form I-352,
- Payment must be made only upon instruction from a consular officer (unauthorized payments are non-refundable), and
- Bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
Required Ports of Entry
Visa holders who post a bond must enter and exit the US through:
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Failure to use these ports may result in denied entry or unregistered departure.
Bond Refund Conditions
Bond will be refunded if:
- The visa holder leaves on or before the date to which they are authorized to remain in the US,
- The visa expires before the visa holder travels to the US, or
- Entry is denied at the border.
Bond Forfeited Conditions
However, the bond may be forfeited if the visa holder:
- Overstays their permitted duration of stay,
- Fails to depart, or
- Applies to adjust status (including an asylum application).
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. If you want guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and are a client of the Corporate Immigration Partners, PC, consult your attorney. If you are not a CIPPC client, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with CIPPC.
