How to Avoid Scams When Applying for a US Visa in India

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 23, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

Applying for a U.S. visa from India can be stressful enough without the fear of being scammed.

Unfortunately, with so many people trying to secure visas, scammers are out there, ready to take advantage of anyone they can.

But don’t worry—I’m going to walk you through how to avoid these traps and ensure your application process stays legit.

Recognizing Common US Visa Scams

First things first—know the scams.

Scammers have gotten creative over the years, so recognizing their tactics is key. Some common scams include:

• Fake visa agencies: These promise guaranteed visas for a high fee or even ask for your personal documents and data.
• Visa lottery scams: Someone tells you that you’ve “won” the Diversity Visa Lottery, but they need a fee to process it.
• Job offer scams: You’re promised a job in the U.S. that “guarantees” an H-1B visa or a green card, but first, they ask for an upfront payment.
• Phishing emails: These pretend to be from official government websites like USCIS or the U.S. Embassy but redirect you to a fake site to steal your information.

If someone claims to have an inside track on getting you a visa, it’s a major red flag.

How to Spot Fake Visa Agencies

So, how can you tell if a visa agency is real or fake?

1. Check their credentials: A legitimate visa agent or consultant should be recognized by the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Ask for proof of their registration.
2. Look for government affiliations: No private company can guarantee you a visa. Only the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. government handle visa applications. If an agent says they can guarantee success, they’re lying.
3. Ask about fees: Legitimate visa services are transparent about their fees. If someone is asking for an exorbitant amount or for payment before any work is done, it’s likely a scam.
4. Beware of “guarantees”: No one, not even a lawyer, can guarantee that your visa will be approved. The final decision is always in the hands of the U.S. government.

Pro Tip: Always work with a recognized and certified immigration attorney or consultant.

Phishing Scams: How to Stay Safe

One of the sneakiest scams out there is phishing—fraudsters pretending to be from official government websites or agencies.

You might receive an email that looks like it’s from USCIS or the U.S. Department of State, but it’s actually from a scammer. They ask you to click a link or enter your personal information.

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Check the email address: Official U.S. government emails will end in “.gov” (e.g., info@uscis.gov). If the email address looks suspicious, don’t trust it.
• Verify the website URL: When redirected to a website, double-check the URL. It should be a U.S. government site, ending in “.gov”.
• Don’t click on unsolicited links: If you get an email asking for personal information or payment, be cautious. Verify it through official channels first.

Fake Job Offers for H-1B Visa

Some scammers will offer you a “dream job” in the U.S. with the promise of securing an H-1B visa for you. Sounds too good to be true? It probably is.

These scams often ask for upfront payments for visa processing fees or other bogus charges.

Here’s how to avoid falling for a fake job offer:

• Verify the employer: Research the company. Check their website, look up reviews, and contact them directly if necessary.
• Don’t pay upfront: A legitimate employer in the U.S. will cover visa-related costs and won’t ask you to wire money.
• Check if they’re an H-1B sponsor: Use the H-1B Sponsor Database (found online) to see if the company has a history of sponsoring visas.

Visa Lottery Scams

While the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is real, scammers use it to trick people.

The scam usually starts with an email or message claiming that you’ve won the lottery and that you need to pay a fee to process your visa.

Here’s the truth:

• The U.S. government does not notify lottery winners by email. You must check the status online using your confirmation number.
• There is no fee to enter the lottery. You only pay visa fees once you’re approved and going through the actual visa process.

Tip: Visit the official Diversity Visa Lottery website (dvprogram.state.gov) for any updates and application details.

How to Protect Your Personal Information

While applying for a U.S. visa, you’ll be asked to provide sensitive personal information.

Scammers will try to get their hands on these details to commit identity theft or fraud.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Use official websites: Always apply for visas through the official U.S. Embassy website or USCIS.gov.
• Be cautious with documents: Only provide copies of your documents to trusted sources. Scammers will ask for things like your passport or Social Security Number to steal your identity.
• Monitor your credit: Keep an eye on your credit report to spot any unauthorized activity, especially if you think you’ve been targeted by a scammer.

Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant

Applying for a U.S. visa can already feel like a lot of work, and the last thing you need is a scam to complicate things.

Remember, always use official government websites, be skeptical of any offers that sound too good to be true, and never give out personal information to anyone you don’t trust.

By staying vigilant, you can avoid falling victim to these scams and focus on the real goal—getting your U.S. visa approved.

Good luck, and stay safe!