BANGLADESH, NEPAL AMONG 38 TO FACE U.S. VISA BOND UP TO $15,000, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The US Embassy in Dhaka announced a new visa bond requirement for Bangladeshi B1/B2 visa applicants, effective January 21.
• Bangladeshi applicants may be required to deposit a visa bond of $5,000-$15,000, determined during the visa interview.
• The bond is refundable if the visa is refused or if the applicant complies with all visa conditions, including leaving the US within the authorized period.
• Bangladesh is among 38 countries, including Nepal and Bhutan, whose citizens may be required to pay the visa bond.
• The US government also announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, from January 21.

Detailed Insights:

• The visa bond initiative is a pilot project by the US government aimed at preventing overstays on business and tourist visas.
• The program was initially set to run from August 20, 2025, to August 5, but the start date has been advanced.
• Bangladesh's inclusion in the list is due to a high rate of visa overstays and people drawing money from the social system in the US.
• In the 2024 fiscal year, 5.73% of Bangladeshi B1/B2 visa holders overstayed, with a suspected in-country overstay rate of 5.60%.
• The overall suspected in-country overstay rate for non-Visa Waiver Program countries was 2.22% in the same fiscal year.
• Applicants need to agree to the bond conditions and make payments through the US Treasury Department’s online platform, pay.gov.

Key Concepts Involved:

• B1/B2 Visa: A non-immigrant visa for temporary business or tourism purposes in the United States.
• Visa Bond: A refundable deposit required by some countries to ensure visa holders comply with the terms of their visa, including timely departure.
• Overstay: Remaining in a country beyond the authorized period granted by a visa or other immigration permission.