Pakistan Not Included in New US Visa Bond Program

Pakistan is not among the 50 countries whose citizens may have to deposit up to $20,000 as a financial guarantee before receiving a US visitor visa under a new policy that took effect on August 1.

The list published in the US Federal Register excludes Pakistan. In South Asia, the policy covers Bangladesh and Nepal, while India is also not included. Diplomatic sources confirmed that Pakistan does not fall under the new visa bond program.

The US State Department said it made the program permanent after a 2025 pilot significantly reduced visa overstays and improved compliance with US immigration rules.

Under the policy, US consular officers may require selected applicants from the 50 participating countries to pay a refundable bond ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 before issuing B-1 business or B-2 tourist visas. The new rules also raise the maximum bond from $15,000 to $20,000 and remove the previous $5,000 minimum that applied during the pilot program.

The bond will be refunded if visitors comply with all visa conditions and leave the United States before their authorized stay expires. Applicants who overstay or violate visa conditions may forfeit the deposit.

The policy does not apply automatically to every applicant from the participating countries. US consular officers will decide on a case by case basis whether to require a visa bond before issuing a visa.

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