DV Lottery - Scams still a concern
This past week we had two instances where people were about to be scammed for money in connection with emails they received via the Internet. One email was congratulating the winner, and was requesting over $800 from the applicant to process the application. The email contained receipt notices and action numbers all presented in a very official looking format.
The US Department of State has issued warnings regarding the DV program. They state there have been instances of fraudulent websites offering help at a fee to the public to apply to the Diversity Visa Program. There have been instances of fraudulent websites posing as official US Government sites. Some companies posing as the US Government have sought money in order to "complete" applications. It should be noted that applicants selected in the Diversity Visa random drawing are notified by the Department of State to proceed to the next steps in visa processing. No other organization or office is authorized by the Department of State to notify Diversity Visa program applicants.
Entries for the DV diversity visa lottery were submitted electronically during October
Recent photographs of the applicant and his/her spouse and each child under 21 years of age were required and caused particular difficulty for many people trying to enter the lottery. The lottery was free to enter and anyone who paid to enter did so needlessly.
If any readers are contacted with an offer of a visa, or have a question on the DV lottery, contact us or attend one of our monthly clinics.
What is a B visa?
An elderly gentleman who attended a recent clinic was told by a US Customs and Border Protection to consider going to the consulate for a B visa. The man in question came frequently to spend months with his family here, and the visa waiver program limiting his stay to 90 days did not work well for him.
The B1 visa is available to those who wish to enter the US for a temporary period of time on business or pleasure B1 business visitors may be admitted for the purpose of engaging in business, but not for the purpose of being employed. A B2 visitor may be admitted to the US for not more than one year. They are usually admitted for three to six months, and may be granted extensions of temporary stay in increments of not more than six months each, with some exceptions for individuals doing missionary work.
January 2013 – Legal & Immigration Clinic
Legal Clinic will be held on Tuesday January 8th at the Banshee, 934 Dorchester Ave. Dorchester. On street is available.
Email me today with your immigration query or a topic you would like us to cover: Kieran@ipcboston.org
Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in it is provided to inform generally, and is not intended as a substitute for individual advice. Immigration law is subject to frequent changes and individual circumstances can affect the application of certain legal provisions. For individual legal advice, please contact the Irish Pastoral Centre directly regarding upcoming legal clinics or consultation with an immigration attorney.
Comments