US embassy warns Bangladeshis over visitor visa applications

The US Embassy in Dhaka has warned that visitor visa applications may be rejected if consular officers have doubts about an applicant’s actual travel purpose or intention to comply with visa conditions.

The embassy issued the warning in a message posted on its verified Facebook page on Monday.

According to the message, consular officers may refuse an application if they are not satisfied that the applicant intends to follow the rules and conditions of a US visitor visa.

The embassy also reminded applicants that they are responsible for using their visas in accordance with the permitted conditions. It advised travellers to provide accurate information about their travel purposes and comply with all visa requirements.

The latest warning follows several other advisories issued by the embassy in recent days regarding visitor visa rules.

In a November 7 advisory, the embassy said foreign nationals who receive government financial assistance or grants to cover medical expenses while staying in the United States could be considered to have misused their visas. Such violations could lead to a permanent ban on future entry into the country.

In another advisory issued on October 31, the embassy reminded travellers to leave the United States by the date specified under the ‘Admit Until Date’ on their admission records. It also advised visitors to check their authorised period of stay through the official website, i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

Earlier, on October 28, the embassy clarified the permitted uses of B1/B2 visitor visas. It said holders could attend business meetings, conferences and contract negotiations but were not permitted to take up employment or engage in other forms of work in the United States.

The embassy advised prospective travellers to familiarise themselves with visa requirements and follow the conditions of their authorised stay.