NATIONAL
US to make up to $20,000 visa bond permanent for 50 countries including Bangladesh
NUTSHELL TODAY DESK|
1:12
In a Nutshell:
- Bangladeshi applicants for US B1 and B2 visas may now be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 before receiving a visa.
- Bangladesh remains on the list of 50 countries covered by the permanent US visa bond programme, alongside Bhutan and Nepal in South Asia.
- Rule takes effect on 3 August and replaces the earlier pilot programme that allowed bonds between $5,000 and $15,000.
Why it Matters
US says programme helps reduce visa overstays after data from its 2025 pilot supported expanding the policy. Higher financial requirements could discourage legitimate business and tourism travel, making access to US visas more difficult for applicants from affected countries.
What We Think
For Bangladesh, practical impact depends on how often consular officers impose these bonds rather than the rule itself. Even so, raising the maximum to $20,000 signals a tougher US immigration approach that could make short-term travel for business meetings, conferences, and family visits significantly more expensive for some applicants.
