NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C., December 28, 2025: U.S. officials have issued a fresh warning to Indian visa applicants, cautioning them against fraudulent agents and intermediaries who claim they can “guarantee” H-1B work visas or fast-track the application process for a fee.
In a public advisory, the U.S. Embassy in India stressed that no individual, consultant, or agency has the authority to guarantee the approval of a U.S. visa. Officials said all visa decisions are made solely by U.S. consular officers, following established law and procedure.
The warning comes amid prolonged visa backlogs and appointment delays that have left many Indian professionals anxious about travel and work plans. Authorities say scammers are exploiting this uncertainty by offering false assurances of guaranteed approvals, quicker interview slots, or special access to consular officials in exchange for money.
U.S. officials reiterated that visa appointments and fee payments can only be made through official government platforms, and that third parties claiming influence over the process should be treated with suspicion. “Any promise of a guaranteed visa is a red flag,” the advisory noted.
According to the U.S. Department of State, common scam tactics include demands for unofficial payments, requests for sensitive personal documents, and claims of insider connections that can bypass normal screening. Applicants are urged not to share personal information or transfer money through unverified channels.
The embassy also advised applicants to rely only on official U.S. government websites for information on visa eligibility, fees, and appointment availability. Reporting suspected fraud to authorities can help protect others from falling victim, officials said.
The warning is particularly relevant for Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa applicants globally. With demand for U.S. work visas continuing to outpace supply, officials emphasized that vigilance and adherence to official procedures remain the best safeguards against fraud.
