Press Releases 2008

U.S. Embassy Warns Against Fraudulent Visa Appointments and Other Visa Scams

The U.S. Embassy in Kingston is warning the public against using so-called “visa-fixers” to obtain fraudulent visa appointments and other visa scams, such as guaranteeing that a visa will be issued.  Members of the public are forewarned that the embassy is aware of these scams and that those who use them are quickly found out and may be banned from ever receiving a visa to visit the U.S. 

The embassy’s consular section continually investigates fraudulent visa appointment letters that are instantly recognizable to the adjudicating officers. Yet a growing number of applicants present fraudulent appointment letters obtained from "visa fixers" who operate illegally.  These fictitious appointments cause problems not only for the person who buys these services, but also for every bona-fide applicant by slowing down the interview process.  Persons who enter the U.S. Embassy with falsified appointment letters will not only be denied visas but they may be subject to a permanent visa ineligibility.  They will also be reported to the Jamaican authorities for criminal prosecution.

Applicants or honest, reliable persons acting on their behalf must schedule visa appointments online at: https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=KNG&appcode=3 .  This is an electronic calendar that will show available dates and times.  Applicants should avoid people or businesses that claim to be able to schedule "expedited" appointments, since the embassy’s appointment calendar is tamper-proof. There is no charge for scheduling visa interview appointments (including emergency appointments) on the embassy’s electronic calendar. 

Any applicant needing an emergency appointment should follow the procedures listed at http://kingston.usembassy.gov/visa_services.html .  No applicant should ever pay anyone to obtain an emergency appointment since only the embassy can grant and confirm emergency appointments.  In such a situation, the embassy will contact the applicant directly.

The embassy warns that one sure sign that an applicant is being scammed is the payment of money for an appointment or the guarantee of a visa.  No individual can guarantee that a visa will be issued.  During an interview, a consular officer evaluates each application individually and determines whether the applicant meets the requirements of U.S. immigration law. 

Scammers are criminals who are misleading the public.  Whenever the embassy receives information about them, they are reported to the Jamaican authorities for criminal prosecution.  Anyone who believes that a travel agent or individual is providing questionable services is urged to inform the embassy at kingstonvisas@state.gov.  The embassy will take quick action to prevent other applicants from being charged money for fraudulent "services" that cannot be delivered.