'Know the rules before you travel’: US consulate issues fresh warning to B1/B2 visa holders — what is it?

The United States Consulate General in Mumbai, on Thursday, issued a cautionary advisory for B1/B2 visitor visa holders, warning that engaging in unauthorised employment could result in deportation and even a permanent ban on future entry into the United States.In a post on LinkedIn, the Consulate General asked the travelers who are the B1/B2 holders to know the rules before making any plan for travel."Know the rules before you travel. A B1/B2 visitor visa can be used to conduct business meetings and negotiate contracts, but you need a different visa to work. Unauthorized employment can lead to deportation and/or a permanent ban from entering America in the future," the post read.

What is B1/B2 Visa?A citizen of a foreign country who wished to travel to the United States first needed to obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence, according to the US Government site.Visitor visas were nonimmigrant visas for persons who wanted to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).

Activities permitted with a visitor visa included the following. Under Business/B1, visitors could consult with business associates, attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, settle an estate, and negotiate a contract.Under Tourism (B-2), visitors could undertake tourism, vacation (holiday), visit with friends or relatives, seek medical treatment, participate in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organisations, participate by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests if not being paid for participating, and enroll in a short recreational course of study not for credit toward a degree, such as a two-day cooking class while on vacation.US embassy in India explains what your B1/B2 visa allows?The US Embassy in India released a video on X, showing two characters Nick and Neha telling about what could happen if one extends their visit without taking permission."Foreign hi, My name is Nick. My name is Neha. Welcome to Visa Guide. During your visa interview, if the consular officer believes you do not intend to follow the rules for a visitor visa, he or she may deny your application. It is your responsibility to use your visa correctly. Learn what you are and are not allowed to do when visiting the United states on a B1 B2 visitor visa. If you misuse your visa or stay longer than allowed, you could be permanently banned from future travel.

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