Warning on Visa Scams and Fraud

The U.S. Embassy has learned that a number of private companies are advertising study and work programs in the United States and promising visas to customers who participate in these programs. These companies require payments ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars and may be connected with educational institutions in the United States. The programs range from high school or university study to tourism, restaurant and hospitality programs and more. They may advertise that they have influence with the U.S. Embassy and can guarantee that you will receive a U.S. visa if you pay their fees. BEWARE! The Embassy warns that it does NOT guarantee nonimmigrant visas for any study or exchange program. Cambodians wishing to participate in such a program should carefully research the sponsoring U.S. organization to ensure it is legitimate.  All fees charged should be reasonable, fair, transparent and refundable.

Additionally, dishonest agencies in Phnom Penh have been extorting money from winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) program. These companies have assisted Cambodians to apply for the DV program and later charged the winners outrageous fees. Winners DO NOT have to pay money to receive their case number and are warned not to pay high fees to brokers. The Embassy can assist DV winners in contacting the Kentucky Consular Center to continue processing their DV case.

People and organizations who claim they can help procure a U.S. visa in exchange for a high fee are dishonest; only a U.S. consular officer at the Embassy can adjudicate a visa application.  Applicants are also warned not to enter into fake marriages or use fake documents when applying for a visa; those who do so will be disqualified and be permanently ineligible for a visa to the United States.

Please contact the U.S. Embassy at visasphp@state.gov if you are being extorted by a local broker or to report visa scams, fraud, malfeasance, and other illegal activity involving nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.