TRANSCRIPT OF THE PODCAST: U.S. EMBASSY WARNS VISA APPLICANTS OF FRAUD
Hello, this is Lewis Gitter. I'm the Public Liaison Unit Chief and one of the vice consuls at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.
Today I'd like to discuss a growing problem facing Ukrainian citizens applying for visas to the United States, that of fraud. It is important to know that fraud isn't only committed by visa applicants, but also by companies claiming to be able to assist with getting visas. Be aware, there are no companies with relationships to the Embassy or that can help you get a visa. Only the U.S. Embassy can issue you a U.S. visa, and only an American Foreign Service Officer can approve or authorize a visa. Please avoid anyone who may approach you near the Consular Section in Kyiv offering to help you receive a visa. They have no ability to help get your application approved.
Also, do not pay anyone for any form invitations or document packages. It is not necessary to have invitation documents from the United States notarized; a simple letter from the inviting party is adequate. Fake document packages are easily recognizable and use of these fraudulent documents is noted in the applicant's record which will call into question all future requests for U.S. visas.
Many advertisements in local newspapers offer jobs in the U.S. Very often such agencies lure people into paying large sums of money for fake job offers. If an employment agency says that you need a B1/B2 visa to work in the U.S., they are defrauding you. In order to receive a work visa, you must be invited to work by an American company in the U.S. Gaining employment while on a tourist visa in the United States is a serious violation of U.S. law and may lead to undesirable consequences.
For those seeking to establish American citizenship or permanent residency in America, please note that Immigration Fraud is a serious crime in the United States! The Embassy is aware that there are businesses and individuals that try to take money from applicants or coerce them into fraudulent acts -- even such things as false marriages to get visas for third persons. Getting married to someone for immigration purposes would lead to a visa refusal and possibly to a criminal investigation.
When applying to immigrate to the United States, any incomplete and/or false information about your family as well as falsified documents presented to the U.S. Embassy could prevent you from ever entering the U.S.! This includes the Diversity Visa process as well. Do not follow advice from anybody who encourages you to misinform the U.S. Government!
Please visit our website, write us an e-mail, or call our visa information service at 044-207-7071 for more information. We are happy to take your questions and help guide you through the visa process.