The State Department has finalized a permanent B-1/B-2 visa bond program, converting a pilot initiative into a standing requirement. Consular officers may now condition visa issuance on bonds up to $20,000 to ensure applicants maintain status and depart on time.
The Department of State has introduced a temporary $750 expedited interview fee for certain B1/B2 visa applicants, offering appointments within ten business days at select consulates, potentially affecting travel planning, corporate mobility timelines, and visa processing strategies.
The U.S. has reaffirmed its Visa Bond Pilot Program for certain B-1/B-2 applicants from countries with high overstay rates, requiring bonds of $5,000–$15,000, affecting both individual travelers and employers as of January 6, 2026.
