Don’t pay visa bond before interview

The US embassy yesterday urged visa applicants not to pay any bond in advance, warning that early payments neither guarantee visa approval nor ensure safety from fraud.

“Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party sites can be scams,” the embassy said in a statement posted on its verified Facebook page.

It added that any payment made before a visa interview is non-refundable, while the bond will be returned only if the visa holder complies with its terms.

Starting January 21, Bangladeshi citizens approved for a B1/B2 (business or tourist) US visa will be required to pay a bond of up to $15,000. The requirement will not apply to those holding a valid B1/B2 visa issued before that date.

Earlier this month, the administration of US President Donald Trump added 25 more countries, including Bangladesh, to a list of nations whose citizens may be required to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, Reuters reported on January 6, citing the US State Department website.

According to the website, citizens or nationals travelling on passports issued by any of the listed countries, if otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount will be determined at the time of the visa interview.

Applicants must agree to the bond terms and make payments through the US Treasury Department’s official online platform, Pay.gov, the state department said.

The bond requirement is intended to deter visitors from overstaying visas issued for tourism or business purposes.