Don’t trust agents claiming guaranteed US visa, warns embassy in India
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The US Embassy in India has issued an advisory warning applicants against fraudulent messages and agents who claim to offer guaranteed US visas or faster approvals.
The warning comes amid ongoing delays in visa processing, during which several applicants have reportedly been targeted by scammers demanding money in exchange for expedited services.
In a post on X, the embassy said visa scams are more common than people realise and can cost applicants time, money, and travel plans. It urged individuals to remain vigilant, follow official procedures, and rely only on credible sources to avoid falling victim to fraud.
The embassy clarified that the only way to obtain a US visa is through official embassy or consulate channels. It stressed that appointments can be booked only through its authorised online scheduling portal at [www.ustraveldocs.com](http://www.ustraveldocs.com). Anyone claiming they can secure a visa outside this process is attempting to scam applicants, it said.
Addressing the role of agents, the embassy stated that no agent, fixer, or travel agency can guarantee a US visa. While some agents may promise success, they often provide false information and charge excessive fees. The embassy reiterated that the only payments required are those officially listed as part of the visa application process.
Applicants were also advised to be cautious about misleading information and to depend only on official sources. For accurate details, the embassy recommended visiting the US Department of State website at travel.state.gov or the US Embassy India visa page at in.usembassy.gov/visas.
The advisory comes as hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders and applicants face delays due to new US policy changes. Interviews scheduled on or after December 15 have been postponed in many cases.
The Trump administration has ended the H-1B visa lottery system and introduced a weighted model favouring applicants with advanced skills and higher salaries. The rule will take effect on February 27, 2026, and will apply to the allocation of around 85,000 H-1B visas annually starting from the fiscal 2027 registration season.