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New Delhi: The US Embassy in India has issued a strong advisory for individuals applying for B1/B2 visitor visas, warning that failure to follow visa rules could result in rejection or even a permanent ban from future travel to the United States.
In an animated video shared on X, the embassy stressed that applicants must clearly understand what they are permitted and not permitted to do while visiting the US on a visitor visa. It warned that consular officers have the authority to deny visa applications if they suspect rule violations.
“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,” the embassy said in the video.
The advisory added that responsibility lies with the visa holder to ensure proper usage of the B1/B2 visa. “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,” the embassy further stated.
Applicants were directed to official guidelines available on travel.state.gov/visas for detailed information.
The latest advisory comes just a day after the embassy issued a similar warning for international students. In a post on X, the US Embassy cautioned that violations of American laws could lead to immediate visa revocation, deportation, or long-term ineligibility for future US visas.
“Breaking US laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future US visas,” the embassy said.
The post reiterated that holding a US visa is a privilege, not a right.
Earlier, the embassy also warned H-1B and H-4 visa applicants that breaches of US immigration laws could attract severe criminal penalties.
These repeated advisories come amid the Donald Trump-led US administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and stricter scrutiny of student and work visas.
The tightening of norms has had visible consequences. New international student enrollments in the US fell by 17% last year, while August 2024 data showed a 19% year-on-year drop in international student arrivals, the lowest since 2021, largely driven by a decline from India.
At the same time, H-1B visa applicants are facing unusually long waiting periods, adding to uncertainty for skilled foreign professionals seeking employment in the US.
