US Visa Bond for Nepalis 2026: $10,000 to $20,000 Rules Explained
The US visa bond for Nepal is why many Nepali families in the US are struggling to bring parents over for a visit. Since 21 January 2026, Nepali visitor visa applicants can be asked to post a bond of up to $20,000. Here is how it works, who it covers and what is still under review.
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Last checked: 29 September 2026. Sources include the Federal Register, the Kathmandu Post and Nepali media. Check the State Department’s current country list before applying. This is general information, not legal advice.
What the US visa bond is
A visa bond is money a visitor pays to the US government as a guarantee that they will follow the visa rules and leave on time. It applies to B-1/B-2 visitor visas only. F-1 student visas are not covered. The bond is only paid after a consular officer tells the applicant to pay it.
Timeline for Nepal
- 20 August 2025: the visa bond pilot program began.
- 21 January 2026: Nepal was added, along with 24 other countries, bringing the total to 38. Pilot bonds were $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.
- 3 August 2026: a final rule made the program permanent, with bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. Nepali media report Nepal is among about 50 countries in the permanent program.
- 25 September 2026: the State Department said Nepal’s bond status “remains under review” after Nepal asked to be removed, according to NepYork.
How much the US visa bond costs, and how refunds work
The consular officer decides whether a bond is needed and sets it at $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. The bond is refunded if the traveller:
- Leaves the US on time.
- Never travels to the US before the visa expires.
- Is refused entry at the US border.
How to pay a US visa bond safely
- The bond is posted on Form I-352 through the official Pay.gov website.
- Only pay after a consular officer instructs you to.
- The US government has warned against third-party payment sites. Never pay an agent who says they can “arrange” a bond.
Under the pilot, travellers had to enter and leave through Boston Logan, New York JFK or Washington Dulles airports. Sources differ on whether that rule continues under the permanent program, so check the current State Department instructions.
The impact so far
Visitor visas for Nepalis fell sharply. According to State Department data reported by NepYork, B-category visas issued to Nepalis dropped from 809 in January 2026 to just 27 in February 2026, compared with 1,840 in February 2025.
Other US visa rules affecting Nepalis and Indians
- Immigrant visa pause: since 21 January 2026, the US has paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries including Nepal, citing public-charge concerns. It does not affect visitor or student visas. India is not on the list. No end date has been announced.
- Interviews: since 2 September 2025, most nonimmigrant applicants, including F-1 and H-1B applicants, must attend an in-person interview.
- Social media: student applicants must make social media profiles public, and screening has expanded to more visa types. See social media screening update.
Tips for inviting parents to the US in 2026
- Budget for a possible US visa bond of up to $20,000 on top of flights and insurance.
- Prepare strong evidence of your parents’ ties to Nepal, such as property, family and income.
- Make sure they understand the bond rules and leave on time.
- Keep copies of all travel records for the refund.
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