iVisa launches B1/B2 support amid tighter US scrutiny

iVisa has launched a support service for people applying for US B1/B2 visitor visas, as scrutiny of applicants increases and refusal rates vary sharply by market.

The service targets travellers seeking short-term entry for business or tourism under the B1/B2 category. It supports applicants during preparation, focusing on the DS-160 form, appointment steps and interview readiness.

The launch comes as the US tightens parts of its approach to visitor entry. A presidential proclamation issued in December 2025 reinforced security-based entry restrictions, adding to a broader security-focused posture in visa issuance.

In parallel, the US Department of State has started a visa bond pilot for certain B1/B2 applicants from designated countries. Under the pilot, consular officers can require a bond of USD $5,000, USD $10,000 or USD $15,000, depending on the case.

Official data also shows wide variation in B visa refusal rates by country. State Department figures for fiscal year 2025 put the adjusted refusal rate at 16.14% for Costa Rica and 42.24% for Ecuador. Mexico recorded 21.36% and Colombia 32.84%. The Dominican Republic stood at 36.40% and India at 22.04%.

Refusal shifts

Longer-term patterns show refusal rates moving in different directions across Latin America. Colombia's refusal rate fell from 46.82% in fiscal year 2020 to 32.84% in fiscal year 2025. Ecuador moved the other way, rising from 33.44% to 42.24% over the same period.

Travel documentation companies have also seen rising demand for guidance as travellers try to manage process complexity and reduce the risk of errors. The B1/B2 process includes an online application, payment of government fees, consulate appointment scheduling and, in many cases, an in-person interview.

iVisa pairs each applicant with a dedicated adviser who remains the single point of contact throughout the process. During the pilot phase, support includes DS-160 preparation, application review, appointment guidance and interview coaching.

The pilot also includes a 45-minute interview preparation session. The service has launched in selected markets across Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

US government fees remain separate from third-party services. For planning purposes, iVisa referenced a government fee of USD $185, paid directly to the US government.

Bond pilot

The State Department has said visa bond requirements can apply to nationals of dozens of countries, based on overstay risk assessments. Applicants are instructed to make any bond payment only after a consular officer directs them to do so, using official government systems. The guidance warns that payments made outside official systems can result in lost funds.

The bond pilot adds a financial element to the compliance picture around B1/B2 issuance. It also increases the importance of following the correct sequence of steps, since the requirement is triggered case by case rather than at the start of an application.

Consulates have also issued reminders about what B1/B2 status permits after a visa is granted. In January 2026, the US Consulate General in Mumbai warned that unauthorised employment on a B1/B2 visa can result in deportation and a permanent ban on future entry.

The message reflects a wider enforcement posture around visitor compliance, with implications that extend beyond entry to conduct while in the United States.

iVisa positions its service around preparation and consistency rather than document collection alone. It argues that many refusals relate to how an applicant presents their travel plans, funding and ties to their home country.

"Most refusals are not about one missing document. They're often about clarity, consistency, and how well the applicant explains their travel plans, proves their ability to fund the trip, and ties to home," said Sam Vaughan, Senior Product Manager, iVisa.

Vaughan added: "With the margin for error getting smaller, this service is designed to help travelers submit accurate applications and feel prepared for a high-stakes interview, without promising outcomes we can't control."

Founded in 2013, iVisa operates a travel document platform that guides users through visa and travel authorisation applications across multiple countries and languages. Advisers are available via WhatsApp and chat as the pilot continues in the initial markets.