Overview
- The State Department added 25 nations to the list, with requirements taking effect for those new additions on January 21, 2026.
- Seven countries had already become subject to the bond rule on January 1, bringing the total now covered to 38.
- Eligible B1/B2 applicants from listed countries must post a refundable bond set case by case at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.
- Payment is made through the U.S. Treasury’s Pay.gov platform, and refunds are issued after verified timely departure, which can take months.
- The pilot targets countries flagged for high overstay rates or weak screening, drawing criticism from human-rights groups over fairness and impact.