The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka on Monday issued a public advisory cautioning visa holders against enrolling in academic programmes while in the United States on B1/B2 visitor visas, warning of serious consequences for violations.

In a post published on its verified Facebook page, the embassy said it is “strictly prohibited” for individuals on B1/B2 visas to participate in programmes that offer degrees or academic credit during their stay in the United States.

"It is strictly prohibited to enroll in programs that provide a degree or academic credit while in the United States on a B1/B2 visitor visa," the Embassy said in its post. "Engaging in unauthorized use of a U.S. visa, even for a short amount of time, may result in a permanent ban from entering the United States in the future."

B1/B2 visas are typically issued for short-term business or tourism purposes and do not permit formal study leading to academic credentials.