Dhaka — The US Embassy in Dhaka has officially detailed the operational guidelines for its Visa Bond Pilot Program, clarifying the exact conditions under which qualified applicants can reclaim their bond money after traveling.
According to an embassy statement released on Monday (June 8), eligible applicants must pay the designated visa bond within a strict timeframe. The full amount will be refunded upon the traveler’s return, provided all visa regulations are strictly followed.
How the Process Works
The embassy outlined a structured workflow for applicants selected for the pilot program:
Post-Interview Notification: If deemed eligible after the visa interview, the consular officer will provide instructions and a direct link to pay.gov to process the bond.
Payment Deadline: Applicants must successfully complete the bond payment within 30 days of receiving the instructions.
Visa Limitations: Visas issued under this program will be valid for a maximum of three months, permit a single entry only, and require entry through designated US Ports of Entry.
Conditions for a Refund
To trigger an automatic cancellation of the bond and secure a full refund, travelers must strictly adhere to the following rules during their stay:
Mandatory Compliance Rules:
No Employment: Travelers are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of unauthorized work while in the United States.
Timely Departure: Visitors must exit the United States and return to their home country within the authorized duration of stay.
Financial Implications
The visa bond program specifically targets Bangladeshi nationals applying for B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourism) visas. Depending on the individual assessment by consular officers, the required bond amount will range from a minimum of $5,000 USD to a maximum of $15,000 USD.
