US Makes Visa Bond Scheme Permanent for Nepalis, Others

The United States Department of State has announced the permanent implementation of its visa bond program for citizens of 50 countries, including Nepal, effective Monday. This move formalizes a 12-month pilot program that began last year, requiring certain applicants for temporary business and tourist (B1/B2) visas to post a bond.

The bond, which can range from $10,000 to $20,000, is refundable if the visa holder adheres to their authorized period of stay and departs the U.S. as required. Consular officers will determine the bond amount based on individual circumstances, with $15,000 being a common requirement. The program targets applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates, inadequate information sharing, weak identity verification, or security deficiencies.

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An alien applying for a visa as a temporary visitor for business or pleasure (B1/B2) may be required to submit a bond (‘visa bond’) to ensure that the alien maintains his or her nonimmigrant status and departs as required.

Nepal's government had previously raised concerns about the pilot program with U.S. officials. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu had informed Nepali citizens that they might be required to pay a bond of up to $15,000, emphasizing that payments should only be made when instructed by a consular officer. The State Department stated that visa issuance would be contingent upon the bond payment.

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The bond is refundable if the visa holder leaves the United States within the authorised period of stay, does not travel before the visa expires, or is denied admission at a US port of entry.