To contact a customer service representative, please visit the GSS Contact Us page for full information or use contact information below:

Bahasa Indonesia and English-speaking customer service agents are ready to assist you Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The call center is closed for Indonesian and U.S. holidays.

• Telephone: Please contact a customer service representative using one of these telephone numbers.
  Indonesia Callers: If you are in Indonesia, please call: +62 21 30717631 and +62 889 7717 0660.
  International Callers: Applicants calling from the United States can reach a customer service representative at +1 703 520 2237. Hours of operation in the continental U.S. are 9pm-5am EST.
• Email: To reach a customer service representative via email, please write to us at: support-indonesia@ustraveldocs.com

There are other methods to contact the call center, please see here for more information.

The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta is located at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3-5. The U.S. Consulate in Surabaya is located at Jl. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2. The U.S. Consulate in Medan and the U.S. Consular Agency in Bali does not accept or process visa applications.

The Embassy is just south of the Indonesian National Monument in Central Jakarta.  There is no parking available at the Embassy. Please consider taking public transportation, such as a taxi, or make arrangements to be dropped off for your appointment.

Your visa interview with a U.S. consular officer is the last step in the visa application process.  All non-immigrant visa applicants must appear in person for their appointment except:

1. Applicants who qualify to renew their visas through Interview Waiver.
2. Applicants for A1, A2 (official travelers on central government business), C2, C3 (central government officials in transit on central government business) or G1, G2, G3, G4 (central government officials traveling in connection with an international organization, or employees of an international organization).
3. Applicants under the age of 14 and older than 80 years old, an immediate relative (parent, spouse or child) may present the completed NIV application on their behalf.

Applicant may be accompanied by one additional person in the event that they are:

• • disabled;
  • over 79 years old;
  • under 18 years old;
  • need a translator or
  • a domestic helper accompanied by employer.

For U.S. Embassy Jakarta applicants only: Report to the front gate of U.S. Embassy Jakarta, Jalan Medan Merdeka 5, no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your appointment and 15 minutes after your appointment time.

For U.S. Consulate Surabaya applicants only:  Visa applicants will be allowed into the consular waiting room at 07:45 am.  Any applicants that arrive late after 09:30 am will have to reschedule their visa appointment.

At the end of your visa interview, you will receive one of these following-colored documents:

• White: Your visa application is approved and explaining how to collect your passport with the US visa.
• Green: You are asked to provide more information before we can make a final decision.
• Yellow: Your case requires additional processing, and we will contact you when it is complete.  Additional processing can take a few days to a few months.  Most administrative processing is finalized within 60 days, although the length of processing time will vary based on the circumstances of each case.
• Pink: stating that you are currently ineligible for the nonimmigrant visa you applied for.
• Blue: Your visa application is incomplete, please return with the completed application.
• Orange: For student F visa application that is incomplete.

Additional advice about the nonimmigrant visa appointment

• Don’t be nervous. Our goal is to politely and efficiently process your NIV.  Please remember that over 90% of Indonesian applicants qualify for non-immigrant visas.
• You don’t need a letter of guarantee. Under U.S. law, no one in Indonesia, the U.S. or elsewhere, regardless of their relationship to the applicant or their rank, can guarantee you for a U.S. visa.  Each applicant is considered based on his or her own situation.
• Do not present false documents or statements or use a fixer or facilitator. Each applicant is personally responsible for the entire nonimmigrant visa application, documents, and statements, even if another person helps prepare your application.  Making false statements to a U.S. government official is a felony and you will be permanently ineligible for a U.S. visa.  In addition, any NIV applicant who gives false documents is turned over to Indonesian police.
• Remember that a visitor (B) visa is only for a brief, temporary stay in the United States. It does not give the applicant the right to work, study, reside or change to some other status.  There are specific visas for other purposes, and U.S. law requires that you enter the United States with the correct visa in hand.
• Come by yourself. Family, friends, co-workers, or employers (including U.S. citizens) who are not applying for a visa themselves will not be allowed to enter the Embassy facility with you.

Entry to all U.S. government facilities is strictly controlled, similar to that encountered in international air travel. Please do not bring the following items as there are no storage lockers at or near the embassy or consulate.

• All battery operated or electronic gadgets such as laptops, mobile phones, USB, chargers, cables, power bank, earphones, wireless earphones, smart watches, remote car keys, cameras, tablet devices, etc.
• All large, bulky bags, such as travel bags, over the shoulder purses, backpacks, briefcases, or suitcases. Please limit your hand-carry items to a small purse and plastic folder containing your application documents.
• Any food or consumable. Drinking water is available.
• Sealed envelopes or packages.
• Cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarette (vape), lighters or other flammables.
• Any sharp objects such as scissors, knives of any size, cutter, nail clippers, etc.
• Weapons or explosive material of any kind.

The list provided above is not exhaustive. All persons and their belongings are subject to search. Other items may be prohibited based on security staff discretion. There is no facility at the Embassy to store prohibited items.

A domestic employee or personal assistant may be eligible for a business visitor visa (B1) to accompany certain non-immigrant visa holders or U.S. citizens traveling temporarily to the U.S.

A domestic employee or personal assistant of diplomats or international organization employees may qualify for an A3 or a G5, respectively.

For more information on the visa application process for these categories, please visit Domestic Employee Visa.

CVP Registration

Crewing agencies that lawfully operate within Indonesia can apply to join the Crew Visa Program (CVP) at U.S. Embassy Jakarta and/or U.S. Consulate Surabaya. The CVP screens preregistered, reputable crewing agencies and more efficiently handles their crewmember (C1/D) visa applicants. To apply for membership in the CVP, crewing agencies may submit the following documents via email to jaksea@state.gov (at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta) or Consurabaya@state.gov (at the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya).

1. Agent Information

Company profile including publicly available information on the company (website, social media, etc.)

2. Principal Information

• Name and address of Principal
• Contact person and email address
• Boat/Ship Information

1. Names of Vessels
2. Types of Vessels
3. Positions recruited for
4. Descriptions of Positions

(After becoming a CVP member, please update this information if it changes.)

3. Authorized Agency Officers

Provide the names, dates of birth, positions, mailing addresses, telephone/fax numbers, email addresses, photographs and sample signatures for a primary contact, an alternate contact, a liaison officer, and an authorized person to sign the Verification letter.

4. Affiliations

For each of the agent’s executives, list any/all past or current affiliations with any other crewing agencies.

5. Verification Letter

List and describe security features in the agent’s letter that verifies its legitimate C1/D visa applicants. Provide a Sample Verification Letter (PDF 16 KB). Each cover letter must bear a unique serial number in the following format: year-xx. It must be signed by an authorized agency officer. If contacted, this agency officer must be able to confirm an applicant’s name and assignment from the serial number on the cover letter. Each applicant’s verification letter must contain:

• Port and date of Embarkation: where and when the crewmember will join the ship;
• Port and date of Entry: where and when the ship will first enter the U.S.

6. Business license (SIUP), domicile certificate and copy of owner’s national ID card (EKTP) and tax payer’s card (NPWP)

7. Signed contract between the carrier and the crewing agency

8. Sample crewmember employment contract with the ship owners / ship operators

9. Maritime Labor Convention 2006 Compliance Certificate

10. Signed Certification: Please sign and return the Certification. (PDF 85 KB) 

CVP Approval

If a crewing agency passes the document review portion of the CVP registration process, consular staff  may request a meeting with the agent and staff at their office. Consular staff will review each CVP registration request and notify the agent of our determination.

Once a crewing agency is approved for the CVP, the agent may prepare its crewmembers for visa appointments by following the instructions below.

How to Apply for a C1/D Visa:

All visa applicants must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they are fully qualified under all applicable sections of U.S. law. Approved visas will generally be ready for pickup three to five business days after the appointment. Applications submitted under the CVP may still be subject to additional processing that may delay visa approval, as well as additional inspection by the Department of Homeland Security at U.S. ports of entry.

Each agent must pay individual C1/D visa fees by electronic transfer from any Indonesian Rupiah bank account in Indonesia. or cash at any branches of CIMB Niaga. Visa fee receipts for applicants must contain the applicant’s (not the agent’s) data. Once payment is complete, agents will log on to our appointment system website. All CVP members will receive a login and access code (separate from the code their crewmembers receive) to access our appointment system website. Payment is required in full before agents can schedule interviews on the appointment system.

All visa applicants must complete an Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application DS-160 online and bring the confirmation page to the interview. Applicants with incomplete DS-160 applications will be turned away. Either the applicant or agent can complete the forms, but if the agent completes an applicant’s forms, both the agent and the applicant must sign and verify the form’s accuracy and completeness.

CVP agencies must prescreen their applicants for issues that might result in visa problems. Each seafarer is required to answer all the security-related questions on the DS-160 truthfully. Unqualified applicants reflect badly on the reputation of their agent. If there is a potential issue related to a particular applicant, you should discuss this with the Embassy or Consulate before submitting an application for that crewmember.

Applicants who were previously ineligible for a U.S. visa must acknowledge it on their applications. A prior refusal does not automatically disqualify a crewmember but neglecting to disclose/admit the prior refusal (Question 31) will disqualify him/her. Honesty, accuracy, and completeness are of utmost importance.

C1/D visa applicants should bring all required documents to the interview, which may include the following:

• DS-160 Confirmation Page
• Current Passport (including old passports, if any)
• One photo size 5×5 taken within the last 6 months, please see this link for photo requirements
• MRV Fee (Cash or EFT) Payment Receipt
• Guarantee letter from the crewing agency
• Other docs that support the application – for example, the Letter of Employment or Working Contract from vessel/principal, the seaman’s book, training certificates, etc.

It is recommended that seafarers bring all previous passports and seafarer books to help support their applications. We expect that successful visa applicants can talk freely about their work experience and all aspects of any prior visas.

Visa Pick up Information

Successful visa applicants are given instructions on when their visa will be ready.

Unsuccessful visa applicants will receive an information sheet explaining the grounds for their refusal and/or why visa processing cannot continue.

To inquire about the status of a visa application, agencies should first determine the visa section where the individual applicant did their visa interview, either at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya. Then, agencies can email jaksea@state.gov (at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta) or Consurabaya@state.gov (at the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya) for further resolution.

Quick Links and Downloadable Documents for Agencies and Their Crewmembers:

• Sample Verification Letter (PDF 16 KB)
• Signed Certification (PDF 85 KB)
• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160)

How to Update Information

If a crewing agency wishes to recruit personnel for a different shipping line, the agent must amend the terms of its CVP registration before submitting these applications. Agent should submit the following information to jaksea@state.gov (or Consurabaya@state.gov) in order to complete the registration process for the new principal:

• Company name, telephone number, fax number, and name of contact person;
• Vessel names, flags, types and tonnages; and
• Signed agreement between agent and new principal.

Agencies are responsible for keeping track of their crewmembers with U.S. visas obtained under the CVP. The moment a crewmember resigns or joins another agency, the agent must email jaksea@state.gov or Consurabaya@state.gov with the applicant’s name, passport number, and date of birth. The agent no longer needs to present the crewmember’s passport for visa cancellation.

Agencies must swiftly report any derogatory information they receive regarding their visa applicants directly to the U.S. consular sections, including information that a visa holder applicant has absconded from their vessel or “jumped ship.”

Note

No CVP member or broker/agent supplying sailor candidates to the CVP member may charge prospective sailors any fee or cost, whether directly or indirectly, beyond the cost of a required medical exam, passport, and seaman’s book. All other fees or costs charged to sailors are strictly prohibited, including but not limited to administrative fees, guarantee deposits, expediting fees, or any other charges above and beyond those specifically permitted by the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006. Should CVP find that a member has imposed a forbidden fee or presented a candidate sailor from a broker/sub-agent who has done so, said member shall be immediately and permanently expelled from the program.

Every agency’s participation in the CVP is conditional. The CVP will monitor every agent’s performance and reserves the right to limit, suspend, or terminate participation in the CVP. If an agent’s activities lead to a period of suspension, an interview at the end of that period will determine whether or not the agent qualifies for the CVP. If the decision is made to terminate, the agent may re-apply for the CVP after a five-year period only if new principal officers have been put in place.

 Unanswered Questions?

Contact: jaksea@state.gov at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or Consurabaya@state.gov at the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya.

Government Visa Program

The Government Visa Program (GVP) is a special program for travelers applying for U.S. diplomatic and official visas.  A and G visas allow travel for a purpose deemed by the U.S. as solely reserved for a central government (A) or travel on behalf of a U.S.-recognized international organization (G).  Most eligible Indonesian applicants receive visas valid for multiple entries. Central government or international organization travelers may also hold a visitor (B) visa, however, if the traveler’s intention is to carry out official government or international organization duties, he or she must enter the United States with an A or G visa.  Officials from foreign missions may be eligible for A and G visas if they meet these same requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

A and G visa applicants must demonstrate that they qualify for a U.S. visa according to the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  The purpose of travel governs visa classification under U.S. law. Holding a diplomatic or official passport does not automatically qualify the bearer for an A or G visa. There is no all-inclusive list of qualifications, but applicants may be found eligible if a U.S. Consular Officer determines that:

• The traveler’s trip is consistent with U.S. law.
• The traveler is a central government official (not a provincial or local official, or official from a state-owned enterprise, or a university official).
• The traveler is an official from a recognized international organization.
• The application includes a diplomatic note issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a foreign mission, or a U.S. recognized international organization.
• The traveler will engage in bona fide central government or international organization duties.
• The traveler is not subject to exclusion.

DEPENDENT APPLICANTS

Effective 12/09/2016, the definition of immediate family for dependents of A, G, and NATO visa applicants has changed. Spouses qualify as immediate family so long as the spouse is not a member of another household and will reside in the household of the principal applicant. Unmarried sons and daughters are only considered immediate family members if:

1. He or she is not a member of another household.
2. He or she will reside regularly with the principal applicant.
3. He or she is under age 21 or under age 23 and a full-time student at a post-secondary institution.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants for A or G visas who are holders of diplomatic passports seeking any visa are fee exempt.  A or G visa applicants do not have to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy.  Please ensure that all of the information on the application is complete.  If it is incomplete, we will return the application to the courier for a correction.

The applicant or courier may drop off the documents at the U.S. Embassy Jakarta.  The Embassy is open for Government Visa application from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Monday – Friday except on Indonesian and American holidays.

The traveler is required to submit the following documents:

1. DS-160 application confirmation page with readable barcode.

NOTE: Previous military, current military, and military staff who hold a military rank must affirmatively answer the question: “Have you ever served in the military?”

2. Passport (Regular, Official or Diplomatic passport with 6 months of validity).
3. One photograph taken within the last six months size 5×5 cm on white background. Please see this link for photo requirements.
4. Original Diplomatic note from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KEMLU) or letter from the applicant’s international organization.

Diplomatic notes and official letters from international organizations should include the following information concerning the principal applicant:

• • Name and date of birth
  • Position and title, place of work
  • Place of assignment or visit
  • Purpose of travel
  • Brief description of duties
  • Travel date(s)
  • Anticipated length of stay or tour of duty in the United States
  • The names, relationships, dates of birth, and travel dates of any dependents and other members of household who will be accompanying or joining the principal.

For foreign government officials or employees who will serve at a diplomatic or consular mission (including a mission to an international organization) or at a miscellaneous foreign government office in the United States for 90 days or more, the diplomatic note should be issued by the sending government’s foreign ministry, and not by a mission or foreign government office in the United States.

In the case of a career official currently assigned outside of the United States, a note from the embassy or consulate outside the United States where the official is currently assigned may be submitted, provided that the note certifies that the foreign ministry requests the visa application.

United Nations Officials

United Nations officers and employees on permanent assignment to UN headquarters or to one of the related agencies, or traveling to New York City for specific meetings, short-term consultations, or temporary duty assignments must submit a G-visa request cable issued by the United Nations.  This also applies to immediate family members and domestic employees accompanying the principal applicant.

The cable should be formatted to include the following information:

• Name of applicant
• Nationality
• Date and place of birth
• Appointment
• Title
• Travel date(s)
• Duty station/destination in the United States
• Length of stay in the United States
• Purpose of travel
• Remarks/name, date of birth, relationship to the principal, place of birth, nationality of dependents (if relevant)

ASEAN Secretariat Officials

ASEAN officials (those hired and employed directly by the ASEAN organization) are generally not GVP qualified.  However, Indonesian or third country government officials who remain employees of their national governments but are temporarily seconded to ASEAN may qualify for A or G visas. All other ASEAN officials must apply for B1/B2 visitor visas.  ASEAN officials may set up an interview via email to JakartaGVIP@state.gov. These interviews are conducted at 11:00 am, Monday- Friday.

Domestic Employees of GVP Officials

For more information on applying for a visa for a domestic helper, please visit this link (see Qualifications for an A3 or G5 Visa).

Please keep in mind the following points when you apply for a U.S. visa:

1. One-day processing is not possible. We require a minimum of two business days to process your visa application, even for urgent travel. Please plan ahead and apply early to avoid travel delays.
2. Submit all required documents in one package. An incomplete application and old photos will be returned, and visa processing will be delayed.
3. All documents must be submitted in English, including your online application form DS-160.

NOTE:  GVP applications must be received directly from the appropriate ministry, embassy, or international organization, and must be submitted through their designated couriers, not through U.S. Embassy personnel.

If you are not qualified for the Government Visa Program (GVP), you need to apply the relevant visa application, pay the fee and make an online appointment for a visa interview through our website. Applicants can apply for an Expedited Appointment.

ADDITIONAL PROCESSING TIME

Applications may require additional administrative processing; therefore, delaying visa issuance.  Most administrative processing is resolved within two weeks, but timing will vary depending on individual circumstances and we cannot predict in advance how long it may take.  Our Consular Section will inform the applicant as soon as the case is processed to conclusion.

In the meantime, applicants may borrow their passport if they need to travel.  You may inform the Consular Section and we will provide you with your passport.  Return your passport to the Consular Section when you return from your travels, in order to receive your visa.

VISA PICK UP

Once the visa has been issued, it is available for pickup every workday from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Please bring the white ticket card you were given when your application was dropped off and exchange it for your passport.

For more information regarding Government Visa Program and International Organization, please see this link or contact us through email at JakartaGVIP@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Jakarta welcomes Indonesian students to study in the United States. We hope that you find the student visa process to be one of the easiest parts of studying in the U.S.

 

There are (five) steps to apply for a visa:

STEP 1: Be accepted for admission to and enroll at an accredited U.S. institute of higher

education.

STEP 2:  Fill out an on-line visa application and pay the application fee.

STEP 3:  Register with SEVIS and pay the SEVIS fee.

STEP 4:  Schedule and complete a student visa interview.

STEP 5: Pay additional $195 reciprocity fee for approved F1/F2 student visas.

Apply to School

• The U.S. government offers complimentary advising to Indonesians interested in studying in the U.S. To learn more, visit: educationusa.state.gov
• After you are accepted into and enroll at an accredited university, college, or vocational institute of higher education in the U.S., your education institution will send a form called an I-20 or DS-2019 to you. This form is required to apply for a student visa and must be brought to the interview.

Fill Out a Student Visa Application and Pay the Fee

• Apply for your student visa as early as possible! We recommend applying at least one month in advance.  Visas usually take one week to process, but it can take longer.
• Complete the online visa application, also known as form DS-160, at:

https://id.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/

• Pay your visa application fee, also known as an MRV fee, in cash at CIMB Niaga Bank or through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) at any bank that conducts transactions with Bank of America.
• Print your DS-160 form. Bring these documents to your interview.

Register with SEVIS and Pay the Fee

• The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based technology system that monitors nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors continually during their course of stay in the U.S.
• Register with SEVIS and pay the SEVIS fee at http://fmjfee.com
• Print your SEVIS fee receipt and bring it to your interview.

Schedule and Complete a Visa Interview

• Student visa interviews are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya, Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Indonesian holidays.
• Students are guaranteed an interview appointment within two business days.
• Schedule your student visa interview appointment at: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/id
• Print your interview appointment confirmation and bring it to the interview.
• According to U.S. law, student visa applicants may only apply for a student visa up to 365 days before the start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019.
• After you are issued a visa, do not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Documents to Bring to the Interview

• Original I-20 or DS-2019
• DS-160 form (Please ensure that the barcode is legible.)
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Interview appointment confirmation
• Current passport (Valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to enter the U.S.)
• Any previous passports
• Photograph (See here for requirements.)
• Scholarship letter (If you have received a scholarship to finance your studies, please bring your scholarship notification letter.)

Reciprocity fee for Student Visa

Effective June 20, 2023, there will be an additional $195 reciprocity fee for approved F1/F2 student visas. This issuance fee will apply to Indonesian citizens, and is to be paid at the U.S. Embassy Consular Cashier after the consular officer has approved the F1/F2 student visa. Please see this page for more information about U.S. Visa Reciprocity.

We accept Indonesian Rupiah cash and credit card. Applicants should consider bringing Indonesian Rupiah cash in case credit card payment is not available. Credit cards will be charged in U.S. dollars–Master Card, Visa Card, or American Express. The owner of the credit card must be present to sign the authorization slip – Debit cards are not accepted and there is no ATM in the Embassy/Consulate/Consular Agency.

Four Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

1. Discuss your career aspirations and reasons for studying the U.S.
2. Demonstrate that you have financial resources to pay for your education.
3. Be honest.
4. Show that you have ties to your home country and plan to return to your home country after your studies are complete.

Maintaining Your Status

• While studying in the U.S., it is important to maintain your status. Students who fail to maintain status can have difficulty obtaining new visas. To learn how to maintain your status, visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/maintaining-your-status

Parent Travel

• Parents who wish to travel with their son or daughter must apply for a visitor visa, also known as a B1/B2 visa.
• Parents cannot use a visitor visa to live with their children studying in the U.S. Short stays, under 6 months in duration, are permitted on a visitor visa.
• To apply for a visitor visa visit: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/id/
• Visitor visa interviews are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the Consulate in Surabaya, Monday through Friday, except on U.S. and Indonesian holidays.

For any inquiries related to student visas, email: jakstudent@state.gov

A primary function of any government is to ensure the security of its borders, to make the nation a safe place to live, work, study or visit. The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security work together to detect and stop fraud in applications for U.S. passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, immigrant visas and, nonimmigrant visas. We accomplish this critical goal by following our laws, making both staff and applicants accountable for their actions and decisions, training our staff on fraud detection, maintaining close cooperation with U.S. and Indonesian law enforcement agencies, and deploying our highly trained investigators to conduct interviews and gather information.

The consequences of fraud are extremely serious. If you commit fraud, you have committed a felony under U.S. law. Not only will you lose the immigration benefit that you are seeking, but you may also have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and you may even go to jail. We aggressively pursue fraud cases, referring individuals for prosecution under U.S. and/or Indonesian law.

Reporting Visa Fraud

If you know someone who has committed or who is planning on committing fraud by submitting a false or forged document, making false statements to a consular officer, or who plans on working illegally or conducting illegal activity in the United States, you may contact us by e-mailing us at jakvisa@state.gov, faxing us at +62-21-2395-1697, calling us at +62-21-5083-1000 workdays 7:30am to 4:00pm, or by writing us at: U.S. Embassy Jakarta, Consular Section/AFU, 5 Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan No 5, Jakarta 10110 INDONESIA

If you wish us to keep your identity confidential, be sure to tell us that this is your wish when you contact us.

Listed below are several common internet scams regarding false websites, diversity visa fraud and internet dating scams. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Beware of ‘Visa Agents’ and nefarious ‘Travel Agents’

We encourage applicants to be very wary if an agent offers to provide them with false or altered documents such as bankbooks, bank statements, civil registry documents (KK, AN, AK, etc.) or business registration documents (SIUP). Fake documents will not help anyone obtain a visa. In fact, submitting fake documents to us is likely to prevent an applicant from ever obtaining a visa. If one is truly qualified for a U.S. visa, then fake documents are not needed – you only need to give us true, accurate and honest information.

Website Fraud Warning

The U.S. Department of State advises the public that only internet sites including the “.gov” indicator are official U.S. government websites. While many of these U.S. Embassy Websites have the “.gov” indicator in their internet address, a number do not. The Department of State Website does link directly to all U.S. Embassy Websites abroad at www.state.gov. This is the best way to get accurate and correct information. Applicants are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer any assistance in obtaining U.S. visas. Please note the following:

• Immigration Related Websites: Many other non-governmental websites (e.g., using the suffixes “.com,” “.org” or “.net”) provide legitimate and useful immigration and visa related information and services. Regardless of the content of other websites, the U.S. Department of State does not endorse, recommend or sponsor any information or material shown at these other websites.
• Other Impostor or Fraudulent Websites and Email: A few other websites may try to mislead customers and members of the public into thinking they are official websites. These websites may attempt to require you to pay for services such as forms and information about immigration procedures, which are otherwise free on the U.S. Department of State website, or overseas through the U.S. Embassy Consular Section website. Additionally, these other websites may require you to pay for services. These websites may contact you by email to lure you to their offer. Additionally, be wary of sending any personal information that might be used for identity fraud/theft to these websites.
• A Few Words about the Diversity Visa Program: Specifically, there have been instances of fraudulent websites posing as official U.S. Government websites. Some companies posing as the U.S. government have sought money in order to “complete” lottery entry forms. Applicants selected in the Diversity Visa random drawing are notified by the U.S. Department of State, Kentucky Consular Center, and provided instructions on how to proceed to the next step in the process. No other organization or company is authorized by theU.S.  Department of State to notify Diversity Visa lottery applicants of their winning entry.

How Do I Report Internet Fraud or Unsolicited Email?

If you wish to file a complaint about Internet fraud, please see the econsumer.gov website, hosted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which is a joint effort of consumer protection agencies from 17 nations or go to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Fraud Complaint Center.