The U.S. Embassy in India on Thursday issued a warning to B1 and B2 visa holders, emphasizing that misusing a visa or overstaying the allowed period could result in a permanent ban on future travel to the United States. The embassy stressed that it is the responsibility of each visa holder to follow the rules and use their visa correctly.
Using an animated video on X to explain proper visa use, the embassy said, “If you misuse your visa or stay longer than permitted, you could be permanently banned from future travel.”
It added, “During the 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’s 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.”
The warning follows a prior advisory to international students, cautioning that breaking U.S. laws or being arrested in the country could carry serious consequences, including visa cancellation, deportation, and restrictions on future visa applications. The advisory also highlighted that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
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Meanwhile, new international student enrollments at U.S. colleges and universities have seen a significant drop, falling 17% this fall, according to data from the Institute of International Education (IIE). The survey, which included 825 institutions nationwide, revealed mixed trends: 29% of universities reported an increase in new enrollments, 14% saw no change, and 57% experienced a decline.
Among schools reporting lower enrollments, 96% attributed the drop to visa application challenges, while 68% pointed to travel restrictions introduced under the Trump administration. Many institutions also cited extended delays caused by longer wait times or temporary pauses in visa processing earlier this year. Several colleges noted a significant decline in new enrollments from Indian students, who constitute the largest group of international students in the United States.
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What are B1 and B2 visas?
B1 and B2 visas are temporary U.S. visitor visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the country for short-term business or personal purposes.
B1 visa holders can participate in business-related activities such as consulting with colleagues, attending professional or educational conferences, negotiating contracts, or settling an estate.
B2 visa holders travel primarily for leisure or tourism, including vacations or visiting friends and family. The visa also covers medical treatment, participation in social events organized by clubs or service groups, and amateur activities like music or sports events, provided no payment is involved. Visitors can also take short recreational courses, such as a two-day cooking class, as long as the course does not count toward a degree.