The US Embassy in Bangladesh today warned that enrolling in degree or academic credit programs while in the United States on a B1/B2 visitor visa is strictly prohibited and may carry long-term consequences.

In a notice posted on its verified Facebook page, the embassy said that using a visitor visa to pursue academic studies, even for a short period, constitutes unauthorized use of a US visa. Such violations, it said, could result in a permanent ban from entering the United States.

The embassy reminded prospective travelers that B1/B2 visas are intended solely for business or tourism purposes and do not permit enrollment in educational programs that lead to degrees or academic credit.