US visa bond rule prices many Nepalis out of travel plans

For many Nepalis, the dream of visiting the United States has become increasingly distant due to a new US State Department rule. The policy mandates that certain B1/B2 visa applicants deposit a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before their visa can be issued.

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No matter how much I want to go, I cannot set aside that much money.

Eva Bhattarai, a resident of Kathmandu, expressed her dismay, stating, "No matter how much I want to go, I cannot set aside that much money." She had hoped to travel to the US for her daughter's graduation in 2027, but the new financial requirement has made this impossible. Bhattarai described the proposal as unfair, noting the constant shifts in regulations: "By the time families prepare according to one set of rules, another policy is already announced."

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I want to visit my daughter, not settle there.

The visa bond program, which began as a 12-month pilot in August 2025, is now permanent. Consular officers can require applicants from approximately 50 countries, including Nepal, to deposit $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000. While $15,000 is the standard, the amount can vary based on factors like the applicant's purpose of travel and financial standing. The bond is refundable if the traveler adheres to US immigration rules and departs on time.

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By the time families prepare according to one set of rules, another policy is already announced.

For citizens of Nepal, where the average annual income is around $1,500, the minimum deposit is several times the per capita income, presenting a substantial obstacle. Leela Bhandari, 53, whose son has lived in the US for seven years, found the rule difficult to accept. "It would only make sense if the bond were collected after the visa was confirmed," she said, adding that applicants might pay the bond only to be refused at the interview.

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It would only make sense if the bond were collected after the visa was confirmed.