US Embassy has issued a stern warning to Bangladeshi visa applicants against paying bond deposits before their interviews, cautioning that premature payments are non-refundable and may involve fraud.

Bond requirement applies exclusively to applicants receiving B1 (Business) or B2 (Tourist) visa approval on or after January 21. Bangladeshis holding valid B1 or B2 visas issued before this date will not face the bond obligation, U. S. Embassy Dhaka confirmed on Monday through their official Facebook page’s post.

They issued a critical warning against premature payment. Applicants must not deposit the bond before their visa interview, as early payment neither guarantees approval nor qualifies for refund if rejected. Embassy also cautioned about fraudulent third-party websites claiming to process bond payments.

“Any payment made prior to the interview is non-refundable,” their post wrote. However, authorities will refund the bond if visa holders properly comply with all conditions during their US stay.

B1 or B2 visas permit Bangladeshis to enter United States for business meetings, tourism, medical treatment and short-term educational programmes. Thousands of citizens apply annually for family visits, professional engagements and educational opportunities.

Embassy has not revealed specific reasons behind the bond implementation. Similar programmes have been employed by US authorities for certain countries to ensure visitors honour visa terms and return home.

Officials will determine individual bond amounts during visa interviews. Detailed information remains available through the official embassy link.

New measure substantially increases financial burden on Bangladeshi travelers already managing visa fees, travel costs and documentation expenses. Regulation marks a significant shift in US visa policy for Bangladesh.