2004 Press Releases

February 17, 2004 

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy reminds Moldovans to exercise extreme caution in dealing with companies or programs that claim to assist with obtaining visas for travel to the United States or employment in the United States. Many of these companies or programs defraud innocent participants by charging fees, often very high fees. These companies have no authority to do so. Only the Consular Section of the United States has the authority to charge fees in the processing of a U.S. visa application. All applicants must pay a $100 processing fee. No other fees are required or authorized.

The Consular Section has become aware of a fraudulent scheme recently advertised in Moldovan newspapers. Moldovans should be aware that advertisements by companies or programs in newspapers or on the radio frequently are attempts to defraud people with the promise of travel or employment in the United States or other countries. Applicants for visas to the United States must possess a valid passport. The only other documents required for an application will be provided by the Embassy or can be found on the Embassy's web site. Submission of fraudulent documents to an Embassy officer can make an applicant permanently ineligible to enter the United States.

More details on applying for a visa to the United States are available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, or on the internet at http://moldova.usembassy.gov