State Department Opens Portal For Visa Fraud Complaints

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC-The US State Department has launched an online portal for reporting suspected visa fraud or misuse involving individuals, companies, schools and other organizations.

The system covers tourist and business visas, employment visas, student visas and immigrant or family-based visas, as well as other suspected forms of visa or immigration fraud.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott announced the initiative on social media saying, “A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” and urged people to share information that could help authorities identify suspected violations.

Complaints can be submitted anonymously. Those who provide their name and email address may be contacted by investigators if additional information is needed.

The department has asked complainants to provide as much detail as possible about the person or organization involved. For individuals, this may include their name, passport or visa number, A-Number, petition or receipt number, date of birth, address, contact details, nationality and social media profiles.

Reports involving companies, educational institutions, law firms and other organizations can include their name, address, website, contact details and the names of people associated with them. Complainants are also asked to describe the activity they believe involves visa fraud or misuse and provide any updates related to a previously reported matter.

The State Department warned that knowingly submitting false information could result in fines, imprisonment, or both.

According to its privacy notice, information submitted through the portal may be used to initiate or support law-enforcement investigations and reviews of immigration-related actions. It may also be shared with other US or foreign law-enforcement agencies where appropriate.

The department said its fraud detection and prevention efforts target attempts to enter the US through fraudulent means or for illegal purposes.