The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued a stringent regulatory reminder to Bangladeshi citizens regarding the legal boundaries of non-immigrant visitor visas. In an official communication released on Saturday, 7 February 2026, the mission clarified that the B1 and B2 visa categories—commonly referred to as visitor visas—do not grant the holder the right to seek or engage in gainful employment while on American soil.
Understanding the B1/B2 Framework
While the B1 (Business) and B2 (Tourism/Medical) visas are often issued as a combined B1/B2 visa, they are intended exclusively for short-term stays. The Embassy noted that while certain “limited business activities” are permissible, they must not cross the threshold into what the U.S. Department of Labor considers active employment or local remunerative work.
According to the Embassy’s directive, travellers may legally use a visitor visa to:
Negotiate and sign commercial contracts.
Attend professional, scientific, or educational conferences and seminars.
Consult with business associates or legal counsel.
Participate in short-term, non-paid training.
However, the Embassy was explicit: receiving a salary, wage, or any form of financial compensation from a U.S.-based entity, or performing work that would otherwise be done by a paid American employee, is strictly forbidden.
Permissible vs. Prohibited Activities
| Activity Category | Permitted Under B1/B2 | Prohibited Under B1/B2 |
| Employment | None | Full-time, part-time, or freelance work |
| Remuneration | Reimbursement for incidental travel expenses | Salaries, wages, or performance fees |
| Business Scope | Consultations and contract negotiations | Managing a business or manual labour |
| Academic | Observing lectures or short-term research | Enrolling in a full-time degree programme |
The Risk of Non-Compliance
The Embassy emphasised that the responsibility for adhering to the terms of a visa lies solely with the individual traveller. Ignorance of the law is rarely accepted as a valid defence by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Violating the conditions of a visitor visa carries severe long-term repercussions. If a visitor is found to be working illegally, their visa is subject to immediate revocation, and they may face summary deportation. Furthermore, such a breach often results in a significant period of “inadmissibility,” potentially barring the individual from re-entering the United States for several years or, in some cases, permanently.
For those whose primary intent is to work, the Embassy advises exploring legitimate employment-based visa categories, such as the H-1B for specialty occupations or the L-1 for intracompany transfers, which require a formal petition from a U.S. employer.