United States | State Department provides payment instructions for visa bond program

A prior May 13, 2026, State Department visa news alert was recently adjusted to clarify visa bond payment requirements. The May 13 alert now includes language that was not previously in the published version of the alert.

Key takeaways:

Third parties allowed to pay on behalf of applicant. According to the update, “The visa bond may be paid by the applicant or by a third party (such as a friend, family member, or business associate),” located either inside or outside the applicant’s country of residence. The name of the person paying must match the name of the “obligor” on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement immigration bond Form I-352.

Payments must be made in USD. All payments must be made in U.S. dollars. The person paying is also responsible for exchange rate fluctuations. Refunds will be issued to the person who posts the bond if no bond terms have been breached.

Additional information:

The launch of the visa bond pilot program was first announced in August 2025. The pilot will run for 12 months from Aug. 20, 2025, until Aug. 5, 2026. As a reminder, applicants should submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so. Applicants will receive a direct link to pay through Pay.gov. They must not use any third-party website for posting the bond. Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

The State Department’s regulatory agenda includes a new rule to make permanent the bond program. A new rule has not yet been published.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.