Planning to Move to the US? Beware of Anyone Promising a Fast-Track Visa or Green Card

Applying for a US visa, green card or work permit can be a complicated and time-consuming process involving extensive paperwork and multiple formalities. Unfortunately, fraudsters often take advantage of this complexity by targeting applicants who are looking for faster approvals or an easier route through the immigration process.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has warned applicants about companies and websites that falsely claim they can arrange visas, green cards or work permits.

Beware of Promises of Guaranteed Approval

Fraudsters may present themselves as immigration experts or claim to have special connections within the US government. They may then ask applicants to pay a fee in exchange for supposedly guaranteed or expedited approval.

Such promises can be particularly tempting for people who are unfamiliar with the US immigration system. However, applicants should be cautious of anyone claiming they can guarantee a visa, green card or work permit through special government connections.

USCIS has advised immigration applicants to learn how to identify and report potential scams and fraudulent activities.

You Can File USCIS Forms Yourself

Another important point highlighted by USCIS is that applicants do not necessarily need a representative to submit their forms.

Individuals can generally prepare and file their own immigration applications and represent themselves before USCIS.

However, immigration procedures can sometimes be complicated, and some applicants may choose to seek professional assistance.

Paying someone to help prepare or submit paperwork does not, by itself, mean that the person has special access to USCIS or can influence the outcome of an application.

Who Is Legally Allowed to Help?

Applicants should also check whether the person offering immigration assistance is legally authorized to provide it.

USCIS states that authorized representatives can include attorneys who are permitted to practise law in the United States and are in good standing with the appropriate bar.

Certain accredited representatives working with organizations recognized by the US Department of Justice may also provide immigration assistance.

Simply describing yourself as an "immigration specialist" or "immigration expert" does not automatically provide legal authority to represent applicants.

How Applicants Can Protect Themselves

Before paying anyone for immigration assistance, applicants should be careful about claims of guaranteed results, unusually fast processing or special government connections.

It is also important to verify the credentials of anyone offering legal immigration services and rely on official government information for application procedures and requirements.

When dealing with a US visa or immigration application, promises that sound too good to be true—especially guaranteed approval or special access to government officials—should be treated with caution.