The United States Embassy in India has issued a dire warning to visa seekers regarding surging incidents of visa-related fraud, exacerbated by ongoing delays in the processing of H-1B visas and renewals.
Affected individuals remain stranded in India, struggling to secure timely visa appointments, which has paved the way for nefarious scammers to exploit the situation. The US Embassy has issued an alert to warn Indian applicants about an H-1B visa scam.
Visa Scams Amid H-1B Delays
In a recent advisory disseminated via the social media platform X, officials noted that individuals masquerading as agents or intermediaries are misleading applicants with false promises of guaranteed visas or expedited approvals.
The embassy has unequivocally cautioned that such assertions are not only untrue but often culminate in significant financial losses, disrupted travel itineraries, and elongated uncertainty for those seeking their visas.
The embassy emphasized that visas can only be obtained through sanctioned channels, specifying that all appointments must be arranged via the official website, www.ustraveldocs.com.
In a video message, embassy representatives stated that any offer for a visa processed outside these official parameters is a clear attempt at deception.
Officials further elaborated on the role of visa agents and travel facilitators, declaring that no agent, fixer, or agency possesses the authority to sway visa decisions or accelerate processing.
They reiterated that some agents may solicit additional payments by promising enhanced appointment availability or guaranteed outcomes, but such propositions are baseless. According to the embassy, applicants should only remit the fees outlined in the official application process.
Applicants Asked to Use Trusted Sources
The advisory strongly urged applicants to rely exclusively on verified government sources for accurate information. Key resources include the US Department of State website, travel.state.gov, and the US Embassy in India’s visa page at in.usembassy.gov/visas.
The embassy warned that depending on unofficial sources heightens the likelihood of encountering misinformation and potential financial scams.
This warning arrives amidst prolonged waiting times for H-1B visa applicants and holders from India. Numerous visa appointments at US consulates were either canceled or rescheduled for months due to recent policy alterations made by the US government.
These reforms terminated the previously employed lottery-based selection mechanism, instituting a system that prioritizes applicants based on their skill levels and salary brackets.
Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services indicates that Indian nationals represent approximately 71 percent of sanctioned H-1B petitions in recent years, rendering them prime targets for scam operations amidst delays.
The embassy revealed that the newly implemented visa measures aim to curtail the misuse of the H-1B program while enabling US employers to onboard foreign talent for specialized temporary roles.
They urged applicants to exercise patience, adhere to official guidance, and steer clear of anyone promising shortcuts throughout the visa process.
Source link: Hindustantimes.com.
