US Visa Bond: Nigeria Among 50 Countries Facing Up To $15,000 Fee

According to Ireporter Online, the policy affects eligible applicants seeking B1/B2 business and tourism visas, with consular officers authorised to determine whether an applicant must provide a financial bond before visa issuance.

The US Department of State explained that the bond amount may be fixed at $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 depending on the circumstances of each applicant and the decision of the reviewing consular officer.

The programme is aimed at encouraging foreign visitors to comply with US immigration regulations, particularly by ensuring that travellers leave the country before the expiration of their authorised stay.

Nigeria is among the countries listed under the programme, alongside 49 other nations whose citizens may be subjected to the additional requirement when applying for eligible US visas.

The US government stated that applicants selected for the visa bond programme must complete the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and make payments through the official Pay.gov platform after receiving instructions from a consular officer.

Officials warned applicants not to make any payment or submit required documents unless they have been specifically directed to do so during the visa application process.

The bond payment can be made by the applicant or by a third party, including relatives, friends or business associates, provided the payment is completed through approved US government channels.

The State Department also clarified that paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, as applicants must still satisfy all other requirements for the visa category they are seeking.

According to the department, the bond may be refunded if the traveller complies with the conditions attached to the visa, including leaving the United States within the approved period of stay.

The money may also be returned if the visa holder does not travel to the US before the visa expires or is denied entry at a port of arrival.

However, the bond could be forfeited if the traveller violates immigration conditions, including overstaying beyond the authorised period or failing to depart the country as required.

The US government said the visa bond system is part of broader measures designed to strengthen immigration compliance while maintaining opportunities for legitimate business and tourism travel.

Nigerians applying for US B1/B2 visas have been advised to rely only on official information from the US Department of State and wait for direct instructions from consular officials before making any payments.