U.S. Public Charge Bond: Form I-945 and Visa Pilot Guide

The Department of State announced a new public charge bond pilot on August 5, 2026. The pilot creates a new form-and-document process for selected immigrant-visa applicants who are determined to require a bond after a public-charge refusal.

This guide explains the role of the consular officer, the Department of State, USCIS, the bond obligor, and the visa applicant. It is general information, not legal advice. Follow the written instructions issued in your case and verify current requirements with the official agencies.

What Is a U.S. Public Charge Bond?

A U.S. public charge bond is a financial guarantee used in the pilot for certain selected immigrant-visa applicants. It is intended to address a public-charge concern identified during the immigrant-visa process.

The bond is not a visa, an approval of permanent residence, or a guarantee that an immigrant visa will be issued. The applicant must still satisfy all other immigration, admissibility, document, medical, and consular requirements.

Who Can Be Required to Post a Bond?

A consular officer must notify the selected applicant that a bond may be required. Applicants cannot request a public charge bond pre-emptively before receiving that notification.

The pilot applies to selected immigrant-visa applicants identified through the consular process. A person should not assume that filing Form I-945 without a consular request will create eligibility for a bond or prevent a visa refusal.

Can You Apply Before a Consular Officer Requests It?

No. The process begins with a consular officer’s notice or instruction. In general, the officer determines that a public-charge refusal applies and then informs the selected applicant about the bond process, including the required next steps.

The Department of State manages the consular and visa process. USCIS handles the applicable bond form process after the case is referred or otherwise directed according to the official instructions. The applicant, the proposed bond obligor, and the agencies each have different responsibilities.

Form I-945 Documents and Filing Steps

Form I-945 is the USCIS form associated with the public charge bond process. Use the current USCIS form and instructions, and follow any case-specific directions provided by the consular officer.

A preparation package may include:

• The consular notice or written instruction requesting a bond
• The current Form I-945 and required filing fee, if applicable
• Identity and contact information for the proposed bond obligor
• Evidence supporting the obligor’s financial ability and legal responsibility
• Documents showing the relationship between the obligor and the applicant, where relevant
• Any translations, signatures, certifications, or supporting evidence required by the current instructions
• Copies of the immigrant-visa case correspondence and prior submissions

Check every form edition, signature, fee, address, and evidence requirement before filing. Do not send a package to an address taken from an old form or an unrelated USCIS process.

What a Bond Does—and Does Not—Guarantee

Posting or approving a bond does not automatically overcome every ground of visa refusal. It does not guarantee immigrant-visa issuance, admission to the United States, adjustment of status, or a particular processing time.

The applicant must continue to respond to consular requests and satisfy all remaining requirements. The bond obligor should also understand the financial and legal consequences of the undertaking before signing or submitting documents.

How DOS, USCIS, the Bond Obligor and Applicant Work Together

• Department of State: The consular officer evaluates the immigrant-visa case and notifies selected applicants when the pilot process applies.
• USCIS: USCIS administers the applicable form process and receives or evaluates the filing as directed by the official instructions.
• Bond obligor: The obligor provides the required undertaking and supporting evidence and accepts the responsibilities explained in the bond documents.
• Applicant: The applicant follows the consular instructions, provides accurate information, and continues completing the immigrant-visa process.

How to Request Cancellation Using Form I-356

Form I-356 is used to request cancellation of an immigration bond when the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable requirements support cancellation. The request is not the same as the initial bond filing.

Review the current Form I-356 instructions carefully, identify the basis for cancellation, collect supporting evidence, and submit the request using the required filing method. Keep copies of the form, evidence, delivery confirmation, and all agency notices.

Do not assume that a bond is cancelled automatically when a visa is issued or when the applicant enters the United States. Confirm the applicable cancellation process and wait for written agency action.

Public Charge Bond and Visa Denial Questions

A public-charge refusal and a bond notice are case-specific. A bond may address the public-charge issue identified in the pilot, but other refusal grounds may remain. If your notice lists additional concerns, respond to each one separately and within the stated deadline.

Prepare Your Application Package

Get a personalized Form I-945 document checklist and application-package review. We can help you organize the consular notice, form information, supporting evidence, signatures, and submission records before you file.

Related resources: Immigrant-visa document preparation and USCIS form review and document filing support.

Official Sources

• USCIS Form I-945
• Department of State public charge bond pilot announcement, dated August 5, 2026
• USCIS Form I-356 and its current instructions

Official forms, instructions, fees, and procedures can change. Always use the current agency materials and the case-specific instructions provided by the consular officer.