How the U.S. Bond Visa Process Works

The U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program has some procedural details that matter a lot in practice, and that most travelers don’t know until they’re in the middle of the process.

The bond amount is not determined in advance. After the consular interview, if an officer finds the applicant otherwise eligible but subject to the bond, written instructions are issued to post $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 USD through the official pay.gov portal. No other payment method is accepted, and payments made without consular instruction are non-refundable.

Posting the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. If a visa is issued, it will be single-entry, valid within three months of issuance, with admission capped at 30 days. Entry must be through a designated commercial airport. Charter flights, land border crossings, and seaports are not permitted entry points for bondholders.

The bond is refunded when CBP confirms timely departure, if the traveler never used the visa before it expired, or if entry was denied at the port of entry.

Questions about the process? We're glad to help you navigate it. Contact us.