US Visa Bond up to USD 15,000 for Nepali Visitors: What Students and Tourists Must Know

From 21 January 2026, many Nepali citizens applying for US B1/B2 visitor visas (tourist and business) may be asked to deposit a refundable “visa bond” of USD 5,000, USD 10,000 or USD 15,000 as part of a new US visa policy.​

This change particularly affects Nepali students’ families, business travelers, and tourists who plan short-term trips to the United States and need clear, trusted guidance before investing such a large amount.​

What is a US visa bond?

A visa bond is a financial guarantee that some countries require before issuing a temporary visa, designed to ensure visitors follow visa rules and leave the country on time.

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Key points about the US visa bond programme:

• It applies to temporary B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) visas, including combined B1/B2 visitor visas.​
• The bond amount is set at one of three levels: USD 5,000, USD 10,000 or USD 15,000.​
• The bond is refundable if the traveller follows all conditions and departs within the authorised stay period.​

The programme is part of a broader effort by the US government to reduce visa overstays, which research shows make up a significant share of undocumented immigration.

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Why were Nepal and other countries added?

In total, citizens of 38 countries must now be prepared for the visa bond requirement when applying for US visitor visas, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Nigeria and several African and Asian states.​

According to the US State Department and Department of Homeland Security:

• Countries were selected based on historically high B1/B2 overstay rates, where many visitors remained in the US beyond their authorised period.​
• The programme is framed as a 12‑month pilot, first introduced in mid‑2025 and then expanded in early 2026.​
• The goal is to encourage compliance, not to replace normal visa checks such as interviews and background screening.​

For Nepali applicants, this means the US government now views Nepal as a “higher‑risk” country in terms of potential overstays, making documentation, financial proof, and travel history more important than ever.​

Who must pay the bond — and how much?

Not every Nepali applicant will automatically be asked to pay a bond; the decision is made during the visa interview by the consular officer.​

Important details:

• Any citizen or passport holder from a listed country who is otherwise found eligible for a B1/B2 visa may be required to post a bond.​
• The consular officer decides whether to impose a bond and at what amount, considering factors such as purpose of travel, income, profession, and overall risk profile.​
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• The amount will always be one of three fixed levels: USD 5,000, USD 10,000 or USD 15,000.​

Some categories may be exempt, for example certain government-related travel or urgent humanitarian cases, but these are limited and judged individually.

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How and where is the bond paid?

If a bond is required, the process follows strict rules and must only be done through official US government systems.​

Process highlights:

• The applicant will first be told during the visa interview if a bond is required, and at which amount.​
• The bond must be deposited using Form I‑352 (Immigration Bond) through the US Department of Homeland Security.​
• Payment is made online via the official US Treasury platform Pay.gov, using a secure link provided by the authorities.​

Applicants are warned not to pay through third-party websites or intermediaries; any bond paid without proper instructions or outside official channels may not be recognised or refunded.

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Designated US airports for bond holders

Under this programme, travellers who have posted a visa bond cannot use any US airport for entry or exit; they are restricted to only three ports of entry.​

For bond‑subject travellers, the permitted airports are:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• John F Kennedy International Airport, New York (JFK)
• Washington Dulles International Airport, Washington D.C. (IAD)​

Arriving or departing from other airports may cause serious immigration complications, including problems recording departure or potential violation of bond conditions.

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When is the bond refunded?

The visa bond is intended to be refundable, but only if all conditions are met and the traveller strictly follows US immigration rules.

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The bond will generally be cancelled and refunded when:

• The visa holder leaves the US on or before the authorised date of stay and the departure is properly recorded by the Department of Homeland Security.
• ​The visa holder never travels to the US before the visa expires.
• ​The traveller attempts to enter through a designated port of entry but is refused admission.

If the US authorities believe the traveller overstayed, violated conditions, or tried to change status (for example, by applying for asylum), the case may be referred to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the bond can be forfeited.

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Risks Nepali applicants should avoid

With such a large financial amount at stake, Nepali travellers must treat compliance and documentation very carefully.​

Common risks to avoid:

• Overstaying even by a short period, as any extra days beyond the authorised stay could be treated as a violation.
• ​Trying to change status (such as seeking asylum or non‑visitor visas) after entering on a B1/B2 visa tied to a bond.
• ​Using unofficial agents or websites for bond payments instead of Pay.gov and the official Form I‑352 process.

For families of Nepali students already in the US, this makes advance planning of visit dates, return tickets, and documentation more critical than before.​

How a good consultancy can help Nepali students and families

For many students and their families, the US remains a top study abroad destination, and professional guidance can reduce both financial and immigration risk.​

A well‑informed education and visa consultancy can help by:

• Explaining whether your specific case is likely to face a visa bond requirement, based on your profile and travel purpose.​
• Preparing stronger documentation for financial capacity, ties to Nepal, and clear travel intentions to minimise perceived overstay risk.​
• Guiding families on planning US visits around graduations, holidays, and business events in a way that respects all conditions and timelines.​

BestConsultancyNepal.com positions itself as a discovery and comparison platform where students and parents can find verified, city-based education consultancies in Nepal that understand these new rules and can provide personalised guidance.

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