India Exempt from US Visa Bond Requirement as 50 Nations Face Deposits Up to $20,000
The United States has designated 50 countries whose citizens must post financial bonds when applying for B1/B2 tourist and business visas, with India notably exempt from this requirement. On Friday, the State Department released a revised list of nations whose nationals face this mandate. Citizens of India retain exemption status, while several South Asian neighbours including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are subject to the requirement.
Under this programme, individuals from the designated countries must deposit bonds valued at USD 10,000, USD 15,000, or USD 20,000, with the exact amount determined by a consular official during the visa interview. Nepal and Bangladesh have faced the mandate since January 21, whereas Bhutan was incorporated beginning January 1. Additional nations spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia and the Pacific are similarly affected. The programme operates under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, empowering consular staff to mandate bonds prior to visa issuance.
Affected applicants must file DHS Form I-352 and consent to bond conditions via Pay.gov. Deposits may be fulfilled by applicants personally or through third parties such as relatives or business associates, with refunds directed to the depositor if all bond criteria are satisfied. The State Department cautioned that submitting Form I-352 should occur only after a consular officer directs applicants to do so, and emphasised that fulfilling the bond requirement does not guarantee visa approval.
