The United States government will implement a new visa bond requirement for citizens of Bangladesh starting January 21, 2026. This policy places Bangladesh among 38 countries whose travelers face this additional financial measure when seeking short-term business or tourist visas.
New Bond Requirement Details
The US Embassy in Dhaka announced that Bangladeshi applicants for B1/B2 visas may need to post a bond after their visa receives approval. This requirement specifically targets new applications submitted from the implementation date forward. Individuals who already possess valid B1/B2 visas issued before January 21, 2026, will not be subject to this new rule.
Bond Amounts and Assessment Process
Consular officers will determine bond amounts based on individual assessments conducted before visa interviews. Successful applicants could face bond requirements of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The exact amount depends entirely on the discretion of the interviewing officer.
The bond system serves as a compliance mechanism. It ensures visitors adhere to all US visa conditions, particularly the requirement to depart the country within authorized timeframes.
Critical Payment Warnings
The US Embassy issued strong cautions against premature bond payments. Officials emphasized that paying any bond before attending the visa interview provides no guarantee of visa approval. The embassy specifically warned about fraudulent third-party websites that might offer bond-related services.
"Do NOT pay your bond in advance," the embassy stated clearly. "Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party sites can be scams. Any payment made before your interview is NOT refundable."
Official Payment Procedures
If a visa receives approval and a bond becomes necessary, applicants will receive specific instructions to submit Form I-352. All bond payments must occur through Pay.gov, the official online payment platform operated by the US Treasury Department. The embassy stressed that no third-party websites or agents hold authorization to collect visa bond payments.
The US government accepts no responsibility for funds paid outside its official systems. Applicants should rely exclusively on directions provided directly by US authorities.
Refund Conditions and Compliance
The visa bond remains refundable under specific circumstances. Bond holders can expect refunds if they:
- Leave the United States on or before their authorized departure date
- Do not travel to the US before their visa expires
- Face refusal of entry at a US port of entry
The bond aims to ensure compliance rather than penalize legitimate travelers who follow all visa rules properly.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Applicants required to post bonds must enter and exit the United States through designated ports of entry specified by US authorities. Failure to follow these instructions could result in entry denial or problems recording departure, potentially affecting bond refunds. Full conditions appear in Form I-352 and official US government travel guidance documents.
Consequences of Violating Visa Rules
US officials may report bond holders to US Citizenship and Immigration Services if they suspect bond condition violations. Bond forfeiture occurs in several situations, including:
- Overstaying authorized periods in the United States
- Failing to depart when required
- Filing applications to change immigration status, including asylum applications
The US Embassy urges all applicants to carefully follow official instructions. Travelers should avoid making any payments unless explicitly directed to do so after visa approval. Only official government channels should handle all visa bond-related transactions.
