Overview
- Bangladeshis approved for B1/B2 visas on or after January 21, 2026 must post a refundable bond, while holders of valid visas issued earlier are not affected.
- Bond amounts are set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 during the interview and are paid after approval via Pay.gov using a link provided by a consular officer.
- The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka warns applicants not to pay in advance, noting early payments are nonrefundable and third‑party sites may be scams.
- Bonds are returned if travelers comply with their authorized stay or do not travel; DHS can declare a breach for overstays, unlawful presence, or status‑adjustment attempts, and designated ports of entry may apply.
- Bangladesh’s inclusion comes as part of an expanded pilot covering about 38 countries, which advocates say could price out many short‑term visitors.