Pakistan Not Included in New US Visa Bond Programme
Pakistan has not been included in the new US visa bond programme, under which citizens from selected countries may be required to deposit as much as $20,000 before receiving a visitor visa.
The policy officially came into effect on August 1 after the United States government decided to make the programme permanent following a review of the pilot scheme introduced in 2025.
According to a list published in the US Federal Register, Pakistan is not among the 50 countries covered by the programme. In South Asia, Bangladesh and Nepal have been included, while India has been excluded from the new requirements.
How the US Visa Bond Programme Works
The US State Department said the US visa bond programme significantly reduced visa overstays and improved compliance with immigration regulations during the pilot phase.
Officials reported that there were 45,488 visa overstays involving travellers from participating countries in 2024. However, fewer than 50 overstays were recorded during the first 10 months after the programme was introduced.
Authorities also noted that the policy resulted in a decline in visa applications, as some individuals chose not to continue with the process after learning about the financial guarantee requirement.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that Pakistani citizens will not be affected by the new rules.
Who Will Be Required to Pay the Visa Bond?
The programme applies to applicants seeking B-1 business visas and B-2 tourist visas from countries included in the scheme.
Under the revised regulations, US consular officials may require applicants to provide a refundable financial guarantee ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 before issuing a visa.
The State Department said the permanent framework replaces the temporary programme launched in 2025 while strengthening existing immigration enforcement measures.
One of the most significant changes is the increase in the maximum bond amount from $15,000 to $20,000. Authorities have also removed the previous minimum bond requirement of $5,000 that existed under the pilot project.
Countries Included in the Programme
The programme covers 50 countries, including 30 African nations, along with several countries in Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands.
Afghanistan and Iran have not been included because the United States does not maintain normal diplomatic relations with either country.
The bond requirement will not automatically apply to every applicant. Instead, consular officers will assess each visa application individually and decide whether a financial guarantee is necessary before approving the visa.
When Will the Bond Be Refunded?
According to US officials, the full bond amount will be refunded if travellers comply with all visa conditions and leave the United States before their authorised stay expires.
However, visitors who overstay their visas or violate immigration rules may forfeit the entire deposit.
What Pakistan’s Exclusion Means for Travellers
Pakistan’s exclusion from the US visa bond programme is expected to provide relief to thousands of Pakistanis who apply for business and tourist visas each year.
While the decision means Pakistani applicants will not face the additional financial guarantee requirement, immigration experts continue to advise travellers to strictly follow all visa conditions and departure deadlines to avoid future complications with US immigration authorities.