The U.S. Department of State recently included Kyrgyzstan in the list of countries participating in the new "Visa Bond" program. To obtain a B1/B2 visa (for tourism or business), Kyrgyz citizens may now be required to pay a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
This innovation aims to combat violations of the duration of stay of foreign citizens in the U.S. In this material, we will detail how the financial responsibility system works and what to pay attention to when planning a trip.
Who Must Pay the Bond?
The decision on the necessity of the bond is made by the consular officer during the interview. The bond is required from citizens who:
submit an application for a B1/B2 visa (tourism, business, medical purposes);meet all requirements, but, in the consul's opinion, need additional financial guarantees for returning home. It is important to remember: paying the bond does not guarantee obtaining a visa. It is merely an additional condition that may be proposed after preliminary approval during the interview.
How to Pay the Bond: Be Cautious of Scammers
The process of paying the bond is strictly regulated, and any violation may lead to loss of funds:
Consular instruction: Do not attempt to make the payment in advance. If the money is paid without an official request, it is non-refundable.Documents: The applicant must fill out a special form I-352.Payment channel: Payments are accepted only through the official U.S. platform - Pay.gov.No intermediaries: It is prohibited to use third-party websites or companies to pay the bond.
Strict conditions: three authorized airports
Those who receive a visa under the bond should consider the restriction on route selection. Entry and exit from the U.S. is only possible through three airports:
New York (JFK)Washington (IAD - Dulles)Boston (BOS)
Why is this important? If you decide to depart from Los Angeles or Chicago, the system may incorrectly register your exit, leading to the loss of the bond.
Refund or Confiscation: What You Need to Know
The bond (from $5,000 to $15,000) will be automatically refunded in the following cases:
You left the U.S. on time (before the expiration date indicated on form I-94 upon entry).
You received a visa but decided not to leave, and the visa expired.
You were denied entry right at the border (by CBP officers).
When the bond is forfeited:
Overstay: Even one day of overstaying in the U.S. nullifies the bond.Status change: If you applied for a change of visa status or requested political asylum, the bond will be withheld.Route violation: Exiting through unauthorized airports.If the conditions are violated, the case is referred to U.S. immigration authorities for a final decision on the collection of the amount in favor of the state.
