Everybody wants to have the experience to live, visit, travel, study, and work in the US in any capacity. After all, it is the melting pot of every kind of culture and it can provide a variety of professional experience. However, the wealth of opportunity is also a two-edged sword as many people are also taking advantage of people who want nothing more than fulfill their dreams of a great life in the US.
Protecting Yourself from Scammers
If you are interested in going to US, you can protect yourself for US visa scammers by being extra vigilant. Here are some ways to prevent your travel plans from being sabotaged by unscrupulous persons:
- Follow the paper work requirements.
These illegal workers also thrive due to some people who choose to do shortcuts instead of following the protocol set by the country they are applying to. It is in some ways also about supply and demand – the more clients there are, the more they thrive. However, this has to stop. Faking documents have serious repercussions to the chances of the person entering the US and traveling anywhere in the long run.
Don’t be part of an underground economy that thrives in forgery. Immigration attorneys would advise you to follow the rules and provide the proper documents. This not only enable the person to travel but also enjoy the benefits of travelling like being able to apply for scholarships, look for jobs, get real estate, apply for credit cards, and eventually, set up a more permanent life in the US as a resident.
- Beware of questionable agencies that offer quick entry to the US.
Beware of questionable businesses that might ask you for exorbitant fees to file your application. Claims that these agencies process applications faster than going directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are false according to the USCIS website.
- Watch out for fraudulent or unreliable websites.
Allison Doyle writes on About.com that all US government website URLs end with a “.gov” suffix. These are the only websites that can offer you complete, accurate, and updated information on how to apply for a visa to the US. On the same note, emails coming from the government also end with a “.gov” suffix. Look for this before responding to any emails regarding your US visa application.
Also, beware of emails or phone calls asking for your personal information. Deceitful people can quickly steal your identity and use them for their personal gain.
- Don’t pay for government forms.
Any person or agency asking you to pay for government forms is a scammer. All government forms are given without fees.
- Ignore fake emails about visa lottery.
USCIS also warns against websites and emails that advertise DV lottery, visa lottery, and green card lottery. Any website that claims they can make it easier for you to enter the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is a scam.
Increasing Your Likelihood of Getting a US Visa
Follow the tips above to avoid becoming a victim to US visa scammers. To increase your chance of getting a US visa, the best persons to consult are the immigration attorneys who can give you professional advice, especially if there are complications that can affect your application.