ISLAMABAD: Do Pakistani need to pay $20,000 under the US Visitor Visa Bond Program to obtain the US visit visa. Here is the latest information about this important program.
The United States has excluded Pakistan from a new visitor visa bond programme that became effective on Aug. 1. The scheme allows officials to request refundable financial guarantees from selected applicants. Moreover, the official list published in the US Federal Register does not include Pakistan. Among South Asian countries, Bangladesh and Nepal are covered, while India remains exempt.
Visa Bond Rules Become Permanent
The US State Department said the decision followed a review of the 2025 pilot programme. Officials reported that the initiative significantly reduced visa overstays and improved compliance with immigration laws. Consequently, Washington decided to make the programme permanent.
According to the department, travellers from the 50 participating countries recorded 45,488 visa overstays during 2024. However, officials said fewer than 50 overstays occurred during the first 10 months of the pilot. They also noted that visa issuance declined because some applicants chose not to pay the required bond.
Pakistan Remains Outside the Scheme
Diplomatic sources confirmed that Pakistan is not among the countries covered by the programme. Afghanistan and Iran are also excluded because the United States does not maintain normal diplomatic relations with either country.
The programme applies to selected B-1 business and B-2 tourist visa applicants from participating countries. Consular officers may require refundable bonds ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Previously, the pilot allowed bonds between $5,000 and $15,000.
Applicants who follow visa conditions receive refunds after departing on time. However, those who overstay or violate visa rules may lose the deposited amount. Consular officers will decide bond requirements individually rather than applying them automatically.
