United News of Bangladesh

The US Embassy in Bangladesh on Monday shared details on how its ‘Visa Bond Pilot Programme’operates. According to the embassy, after a visa interview, eligible applicants will receive instructions from the consular officer on how to make the payment including a direct link to pay.gov. The bond must be paid within 30 days. The programme offers a single-entry visa valid for a maximum of three months and the travelers must enter the United States through designated ports of entry. Upon returning home and meeting all visa conditions — including not working in the US and returning within the authorised period — the bond will be automatically canceled and the payment refunded. Starting January 21, 2026, all Bangladeshi nationals approved for a B1/B2 (business and tourist) United States visa will be required to post a bond of up to $15,000. On January 19, the US Embassy in Dhaka said this requirement does not apply to people holding a valid B1/B2 visa issued before January 21, 2026.