The new measure will be part of the Visa Bond pilot program aimed at combating violations of visa stay durations and will take effect on January 21, 2026. Kyrgyzstan is among 38 countries for which this requirement is being introduced, alongside Tajikistan and Turkmenistan from Central Asia.
The visa bond is an additional amount that must be paid in addition to the regular visa fee if the consular officer deems it necessary. The bond amount can range from $5,000 to $15,000 and is determined individually based on the interview at the consulate.
The State Department noted that payment of the bond does not guarantee visa approval. The bond will be processed only at the direction of the consular officer using form I-352 and can only be paid through the government platform Pay.gov. Payments made without the official consent of the consulate are non-refundable.
The bond will be automatically refunded if a citizen of Kyrgyzstan leaves the U.S. before the end of their authorized stay, does not use the visa, or is denied entry. However, funds may be withheld in cases of overstaying, illegal presence, or applying for a change of immigration status, including a request for asylum.
Additionally, there are restrictions on entry and exit points: Kyrgyz citizens who have paid the visa bond must cross the U.S. border only through the airports of Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), and Washington (Dulles, IAD). Otherwise, they risk losing their bond.
This measure applies only to those applicants who generally meet the visa requirements but are considered by U.S. authorities to be in a category of increased immigration risk.
