2007 Chennai Press Releases

U.S. Consulate Detects Hundreds of Fraudulent Visa Cases

Many Fake Documents Traced to Andhra Pradesh

Chennai, June 12, 2007: Citing the recent detection of literally hundreds of visa applications that were accompanied by fraudulent documents, the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai has called on visa applicants to follow three simple guidelines when seeking visas to the U.S.:

-- obtain free and complete information about visa requirements and the visa application process from official sources such as the Consulate General (web site: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov) and VFS (Visa Facilitation Services), the Consulate’s authorized visa appointment services provider (web site: http://www.vfs-usa.co.in).  Visa interview appointments must be made through the VFS web site.

-- submit only genuine documents.  Strictly avoid documents sold by document vendors or brokers.

-- tell the truth on all visa forms and during the visa interview with a consular officer.

Failure to follow these simple guidelines seriously risks not only wasted time and money, but also permanent ineligibility for a U.S. visa.  Applicants should avoid brokers or vendors who seek to sell “advice” or documents.

Consulate officials said the problem of fraudulent documents seems to be particularly acute in Andhra Pradesh.  The officials said they have traced many fake documents, including those presented at other American visa offices, to sources in the state.  They noted that ineligible visas applicants, especially those who buy and present false documents, slow down visa processing and increase scrutiny for all.

Consulate officials said they enjoy good cooperation from the police and other authorities in Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere in verifying documents and in seeking the arrest and prosecution of false document vendors.  They noted that in addition to violating American law, these criminals often break Indian laws and prey on applicants who are
uninformed about the visa process.  This is why it is important for applicants to obtain official information, the officials said.

The officials added that the Consulate’s recent success in sharply reducing the waiting time for visa interview appointments may have been misinterpreted by some as a relaxation in visa requirements or standards.  This is not the case.  Requirements have not been relaxed and scrutiny remains high.  There are no shortcuts to obtaining a visa, they said, but there is a simple path if applicants follow the three guidelines: use only official information, present only genuine documents, and tell the truth.

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