US to Require $5,000–$15,000 Visa Bonds for Bangladeshi B1/B2 Applicants Starting Jan. 21

Beginning January 21, 2026, Bangladeshi citizens applying for U.S. business and tourist visas (B1/B2) may be required to post a refundable "visa bond" as part of a new U.S. Department of State pilot program.

The program, introduced under a Temporary Final Rule (TFR), targets countries with high visa overstay rates or deficient screening processes. Bangladesh is one of 25 additional nations recently added to the list, which now includes a total of 38 countries such as Nigeria, Nepal, Venezuela, and Uganda.

The bond amounts are set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. During the visa interview, a consular officer will determine the specific amount based on an assessment of the applicant's overstay risk.

No Pre-payment: Applicants must not pay any bond unless specifically instructed by a consular officer and Payments must be made via the U.S. Treasury’s official site, pay.gov, using Form I-352. The U.S. government warned it is not responsible for money paid through third-party websites. Also posting a bond does not guarantee a visa will be issued.

Travelers required to post a bond must follow strict entry and exit protocols. They are restricted to three designated U.S. ports of entry through Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Failure to use these specific airports could result in denied entry or an unrecorded departure, which may lead to the forfeiture of the bond.

Refund and Forfeiture The bond will be automatically refunded if the traveler: Departs the U.S. on or before their authorized stay expires. Does not travel to the U.S. before the visa expires. Is denied admission by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the airport.

Conversely, the bond may be forfeited if the traveler overstays, fails to depart, or attempts to adjust their status (including seeking asylum) while in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa.