12-month plan targets B1/B2 overstays; entries limited to three airports. Bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 are payable via Pay.gov only after consular instruction.
The United States will launch a pilot on August 20, 2025 requiring certain B1/B2 visitor visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000. The program seeks to reduce unauthorized stays and could be updated to include other countries following Department of Homeland Security assessments.
What the new U.S. B1/B2 visa bond pilot means for travelers? Wondering who’s affected? The policy applies to citizens and nationals of Malawi and Zambia applying for B1/B2 visas, wherever they file, as long as they use a passport from either country. DHS’s fiscal year 2023 overstay report underpins the decision.
How consular officers set bond amounts, payment steps, and refund rules
During the visa interview, consular officers decide whether a bond is required and set the amount—$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000—based on factors such as travel purpose, employment, income, skills, and education. Payment is accepted only after explicit instruction from the officer and must be made on the Treasury’s Pay.gov using DHS Form I-352. Paying a bond doesn’t guarantee a visa; unsolicited payments aren’t refunded. Here is a quick view of the bond tiers and required payment channel.
| Bond amount | Who sets it | How to pay |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | Consular officer during interview | Pay.gov (Form I-352) |
| $10,000 | Consular officer during interview | Pay.gov (Form I-352) |
| $15,000 | Consular officer during interview | Pay.gov (Form I-352) |
Refunds depend on full compliance with nonimmigrant rules and the deposit terms.
Refunded when:
- The traveler departs the U.S. within the authorized period.
- The traveler does not travel before the visa expires.
- The traveler is denied entry at the designated port.
The bond may be kept if conditions are violated, including overstaying or seeking an adjustment of status, such as asylum.
Where eligible applicants must enter and depart under the pilot policy? Entry and exit are limited to three specific airports:
- Logan International Airport (Boston)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
- Dulles International Airport (Washington)
Failure to comply may lead to denial of entry or an unrecorded departure.
Why Malawi and Zambia were selected based on DHS overstay data
U.S. authorities report that about 14% of visitors from Malawi and 11% from Zambia exceeded authorized stays in 2023. The 12-month pilot also monitors citizenship-by-investment practices and other system gaps to improve cooperation and lower non-return rates.
What should travelers do next? Follow consular instructions closely, use only official U.S. platforms, and route itineraries through the designated airports. Staying within the rules is the surest path to a full refund.