Effective Date From: August 20, 2025
The U.S. Department of State, under INA Section 221(g)(3) and the Temporary Final Rule (TFR), has introduced a visa bond requirement for nationals of
Malawi
and
Zambia,
based on high B1/B2 visa overstay rates reported in the DHS FY 2023 Overstay Report.
Key Requirements:
Visa Bond Amount: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined during the B1/B2 visa interview.
Payment: Must be submitted via Pay.gov using DHS Form I-352 only after instruction from a consular officer. Third-party sites are not authorized.
Note: Posting a bond does not guarantee visa approval. Unrequested payments will not be refunded.
Designated Ports of Entry (Mandatory for Bonded Travelers):
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Bond Refund Conditions:
The full bond will be refunded if the traveler:
Leaves the U.S. on or before their authorized stay,
Does not use the visa, or
Is denied entry at the port of arrival.
Bond Breach Consequences:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may determine a bond breach in cases such as:
Overstaying the authorized period,
Failing to depart the U.S., or
Attempting to change immigration status (e.g., asylum application).
