The U.S. Embassy in Uganda has issued an advisory warning citizens applying for a business or tourist (B1/B2) visa not to pay their bond in advance.
In a statement issued on February 8, the Ugandan embassy stated that payments made before the interview are not refundable.
A consular officer will provide instructions on how to pay the bond after the interview, if the applicant is eligible.
“Paying a bond before your interview does not guarantee a visa,” the US Embassy advisory read in part.
Visa Payment Instructions
Applicants will receive a direct link to pay.gov and instructions for payment after their interview.
“A consular officer will give you a direct link to pay.gov and instructions for payment after your interview,” the advisory added.
The embassy emphasised that no citizen should pay their visa bond in advance.
Rules for B1/B2 Visitors
According to a statement issued by the Embassy on January 29, the B1/B2 visitor visa allows temporary travel to the United States for tourism-related activities such as holidays, shopping, and visiting friends or relatives.
It also permits attending meetings with business associates and participating in conventions or conferences, provided no payment is received, and no hands-on work is undertaken.
However, the Embassy stressed that several activities remain strictly prohibited under the visitor visa category.
These include birth tourism, defined as traveling to the United States primarily to give birth in order to obtain U.S. citizenship for a child.
The Embassy further warned that employment of any kind is prohibited under the B1/B2 visa.
The holders are not permitted to work for or receive payment from a U.S. employer or business, whether on a full-time, part-time, short-term, or informal basis.
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This restriction applies regardless of whether the work is paid in cash, benefits or any other form of compensation.
Studying and Work for B1/B2 Visitors
The guidance also bars visitors from engaging in freelance work, contract services, or remote work for U.S-based clients while physically present in the United States.
U.S. immigration authorities consider such activities unauthorised employment and a violation of the conditions of visitor visas.
Studying for a degree or earning academic credit is also prohibited on a B1/B2 visa.
The Embassy noted that visitors may not enrol in full-time or part-time academic programmes, including college, university, or vocational courses, without first obtaining the appropriate student visa.
Also Read: U.S. Implements Visa Bond Requirement for Ugandans
Enrolling in a course of study while on a visitor visa can result in immediate loss of legal status and affect future visa applications.
Paid performances are similarly disallowed by the United States Embassy.
Visitors may not participate in professional entertainment, media production, sporting events, or artistic performances that involve payment.
Only amateur participation in events is permitted, and only where no payment is received beyond incidental expenses.
The Embassy also cautioned against using the B1/B2 visas as a pathway to long-term residence in the United States.
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