US Embassy India launches video series to help applicants avoid visa scams, frauds | Watch
The US Embassy India has launched a video series to help visa applicants avoid common visa scams. In the first episode, now available on YouTube and X, a visa officer and a visa assistant answer key questions, stressing that US visas can only be obtained through a US Embassy or Consulate via the official portal, ustraveldocs.com. They caution applicants against agents or intermediaries who promise guaranteed visas or faster approvals, warning that such claims are fraudulent.
New Delhi: The US Embassy India has started a video series to help visa applicants steer clear of visa scams, which are quite rampant these days. Part One of the video series has been posted on social media platforms -- YouTube and X. The Embassy provides essential tips to help applicants/candidates recognise scams, prevent fraud, and make informed choices during their visa application process.
Where can you get a US visa?
In the video, a visa officer and visa assistant answer common questions that can go a long way in avoiding visa scams and frauds.
The first question asked by the visa officer is: Where can I get a US visa? The visa assistant answers it: "The only place to get a US visa is from a US Embassy or Consulate." He explains that the only way to book an appointment is through the Embassy's online scheduling portal: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/. The visa assistant adds that if anyone says that they can get you a visa outside this process, they are trying to scam you. "Do not trust them."
Should you use a visa agent?
The second question put forth by the visa assistant is: Should I use a visa agent? The visa officer replies that "no one, not a visa agent, not a fixer, not a travel agency, can promise you a US visa". He adds that some agents may promise success, but they often provide false or misleading information. They also charge exorbitant fees. The only fees an applicant needs to pay for a US visa are the ones outlined in the application.
Where can you find accurate information about US visa process?
The third question is: Where can the applicant find precise information about the US visa process? Answering this, the visa assistant cautions that there's a lot of false information about the visa process out there. Therefore, one must ensure that the applicant relies on information gathered from credible sources. The officials give details about the credible sources to check the visa process.
There are a couple of more questions that they address, such as what documents are required for the visa, why there's no need to be nervous during the interview with consular officers and what to do if you think that you have been scammed?
To watch the full video, go to https://youtu.be/9kk-JE5hvxM. Do watch the video before you apply for the US visa.