Bangladeshis Must Post a Visa Bond for US B1/B2 Visas from January 2026
The US Embassy in Dhaka announced on Tuesday that starting Wednesday, Bangladeshi applicants approved for US business or tourist visas (B1/B2) must post a visa bond of up to $15,000.
The new rule does not affect students traveling on F or M visas, who will continue to follow the existing regulations for study in the United States.
What US B1/B2 visa
A US B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for specific purposes:
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B1 (Business Visa): For activities like attending meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, or other short-term business-related work.
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B2 (Tourist Visa): For tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or participating in social events.
Key Points:
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It does not allow long-term employment or study.
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Typically valid for multiple entries and can last from several months to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s nationality.
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Travelers must demonstrate strong ties to their home country to convince US authorities they will return.
Key Details About the US Visa Bond
The embassy clarified that the visa bond applies only to B1/B2 visas. Students pursuing education in the US are exempt.
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Approved applicants must pay the bond after the interview, not before.
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Advance payments do not guarantee visa approval.
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Third-party websites requesting pre-interview payments may be fraudulent.
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Any payment made before the interview is non-refundable.
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If the visa terms and conditions are followed correctly, the bond will be refunded.
Exemptions and Exceptions
Bangladeshi citizens who hold a valid B1/B2 visa issued before January 21, 2026, do not need to pay the bond.
Embassy Guidance for Accurate Information
The US Embassy in Dhaka urges applicants to rely only on official sources for visa information. Up-to-date details can be found at:
https://bd.usembassy.gov/visas/
The embassy emphasized that applicants should avoid paying any bond in advance to protect themselves from scams and fraudulent websites.
