The US non-immigrant (visitor) visas for a number of persons who were all suspected to have used the same consultant to complete their visa application forms have been revoked on suspicion of an alleged visa racket and the use of false information in the preparation of the visa applications.
News Source understands that in the past few weeks a number of persons who were preparing to travel to the United States found out that their visas had been revoked after they were prevented from traveling at the Cheddi Jagan Airport and told to visit the local embassy.
According to sources familiar with the reports, most of the persons reportedly utilized the services of a West Demerara woman who operates a visa application consultancy to complete their visa applications.
The woman is suspected to be involved in an alleged visa racket that possibly involves someone who closely linked to the local embassy. It is also suspected that she knowingly inputed incorrect information in the applications.
Contacted for a comment on the issue, the Public Affairs Department of the US Embassy in Georgetown stated that due to privacy concerns, it does not comment on specific visa cases.
The Embassy, however, reminded that it regularly encourages visa applicants to complete their own forms to ensure accuracy.
The US Embassy would offer no other comment. Many of those who had their visas revoked have been reaching out to the airlines and travel agencies, seeking refunds for their airline tickets.
Under US immigration law, “a consular officer, the Secretary (of State), or a department official to whom the Secretary has delegated this authority, is authorized to revoke a nonimmigrant visa at any time, in their discretion”.
However, a consular officer may only revoke a nonimmigrant visa on the basis that the visa holder is not eligible for the particular visa classification or if he/she is found ineligible for a visa under one of the inadmissibility provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Just last year, the US Embassy said it had noticed an increase in the number of third-party preparers for US visa applications.
In one of its “Ask the Consul” feature on its website, the Embassy said persons should avoid those visa consultants who offer to improve an applicant’s chances of qualifying for a visa by entering false information on the visa application.
The Embassy reminded that false information can disqualify an applicant and make that person permanently ineligible for a US visa.
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