KATHMANDU, Jan 7: Nepali passport holders may now have to deposit a bond to obtain a US visa. This rule will apply to B1/B2 visas.
The US Department of State has stated that the requirement will take effect from January 21, 2026.
The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued for temporary visits. B1 is for business purposes such as conferences, meetings, or negotiations, while B2 is for tourism, recreation, family visits or medical treatment.
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Nepal is included in a list of 38 countries facing this requirement, along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe and others. The bond amount may be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, determined during the visa interview.
Applicants must fill out the I-352 form from the Ministry of Home Affairs and payment must be made through the US government’s official system only. Bonds are to be submitted only after instructions from the U.S. embassy; outside websites are not recognized by the US government.
Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and violating the rules may result in forfeiture.
Bonded visa holders must enter and exit the U.S. only through designated airports, including Boston, New York, and Washington. Bonds will be automatically refunded if the holder leaves on time or does not travel. Overstaying or applying for asylum will result in bond forfeiture and additional actions by U.S. authorities.
