According to the new rules, Kyrgyz citizens may be required to pay a cash deposit ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to obtain a business or tourist visa of category B1/B2. This measure is aimed at preventing cases of overstaying in the country.
Next, we will examine how the financial responsibility mechanism works and what to pay attention to when organizing a trip.
Who Needs to Make the Deposit?
The consular officer decides on the necessity of the deposit during the individual interview. Only those citizens can expect to qualify for the program who:
submit an application for a B1/B2 visa (for tourism, business, or medical purposes);meet all visa requirements, but, in the consul's opinion, require "additional financial incentive" to return to their homeland.
It is important to remember: having a deposit does not guarantee automatic receipt of a visa. It is merely an additional condition that may be imposed after the preliminary approval of your application by the consul.
How to Make the Payment: Be Careful of Scammers
The deposit process is strictly controlled, and any deviation may lead to loss of funds:
Payment only at the consul's instruction: Do not attempt to make a payment in advance. If the payment was made without the officer's request, the funds are non-refundable.Completion of documents: The applicant is required to fill out a special form I-352.Payment methods: Payments are accepted exclusively through the U.S. government system - Pay.gov.No intermediaries: Payment through third-party websites or travel agencies is strictly prohibited.
Restrictions: Three Airports for Entry and Exit
Those who receive a visa with a deposit will have to adhere to route restrictions. Entry and exit from the U.S. is only possible through three airports:
New York (JFK)Washington (IAD - Dulles)Boston (BOS)
This is important, as exiting through other airports, such as Los Angeles or Chicago, may lead to incorrect exit recording, resulting in the loss of the deposit.
Refund of the Deposit: What You Need to Know
The deposit (from $5,000 to $15,000) may be refunded automatically in the following cases:
You left the U.S. within the specified timeframe (before the visa expiration date indicated on form I-94).
You were issued a visa but decided not to travel, and the visa expired.
You were denied entry at the border (by CBP officers).
However, the deposit is withheld in the following situations:
Overstay: Even a one-day overstay in the U.S. cancels the deposit.Change of visa status: If you applied for a status change or requested political asylum, the deposit is withheld.Violation of route conditions: Exiting through airports not on the approved list.In case of violations, the case is referred to U.S. immigration authorities for a decision on the forfeiture of the deposit in favor of the state.
