VISA APPLICANTS WARNED. US Embassy in the Philippines Consular Manager Steve Harris warns their potential clients to be wary of scams and fraudsters when applying for a visa. The embassy receives as high as 1,500 applications daily for non-immigrant visa but the number varies depending on the occasion, Harris said on Friday (March 29, 2019). (Photo by Perla Lena)
ILOILO CITY -- Filipinos applying for a United States visa are warned to be vigilant against scammers and fraudsters and report any of such anomalies, either to local law enforcement agencies or send an email to the US embassy.
In an interview Friday, US Embassy Consular Manager Steve Harris said that they are relaunching their #WalangSikreto campaign so that “all potential clients should be aware of ongoing scams and fraudsters out there”.
“I would encourage you again to be wary of scammers and fraudsters; they are all over the world. Be prepared, we encourage people to be honest throughout their visa process or whatever benefit you are applying for. Be straightforward, don’t take shortcuts, go directly to the source,” he advised.
Harris urged Filipinos to visit their website https://ph.usembassy.gov to be familiar with the process of applying for either non-immigrant visa or a US passport as an American citizen.
Some of the scams involve unsolicited communication, some involving a friend of a friend who claims they know someone from the embassy and they know of shortcuts, and asking for money in exchange for benefits, among others.
“If you are a victim of this scam, it’s very important to know that you should go to your local police station and report it, go to your local NBI and considering emailing us at [email protected]. That’s where we actually track ongoing scams that are reported to us directly by clients and potential clients,” Harris added.
He also emphasized that they have not accredited any travel agency but that they are not also stopping anyone from working with them in securing a visa.
“I recommend going to the website, checking out the information first and understanding the process. Know that we do not accredit any local travel agency. So (if) someone says again I can guarantee you a US visa, it’s not true and you should be aware about it,” Harris said.
The average waiting time when applying for a non-immigrant visa is five days upon making an appointment. Once the visa is authorized, you get it in a couple of days, he revealed.
The US Embassy receives as high as 1,500 applications daily for non-immigrant visa but the number varies depending on the occasion.
Harris said that even during peak travel time, their staff are “ready for them” and “try to deliver a short wait time, try to get people in and out within an hour within possible”.
The US Embassy Consular manager was joined by Consular Specialist Christina Guingon. (PNA)
