US Introduces Visa Bond Requirement for Bangladeshi B1/B2 Applicants from January 21

The United States will introduce new conditions for Bangladeshi citizens applying for business and tourist visas (B1/B2) starting January 21, the US Embassy in Dhaka announced on Monday, January 19.

According to the embassy, applicants approved for B1/B2 visas on or after January 21 will be required to deposit a visa bond of up to $15,000. However, the new requirement will not apply to holders of valid B1/B2 visas issued before that date.

The embassy clarified that the bond must not be paid before the visa interview, warning that advance payment does not guarantee visa approval. It also cautioned applicants against using third-party websites or intermediaries for payments, noting the risk of fraud.

Any payment made before the interview is non-refundable, the embassy said. However, the bond amount will be refunded later if the visa holder fully complies with all visa conditions.

Further details are available on the official website of the US Embassy.