Say No To Touts

Got a cousin who “knows” how to get a visa to the United States? Did a friend recommend a visa agent “guaranteed” to make your application successful? We see applicants every day who have been led astray by well-meaning advice. Your friends, family, and colleagues may be trying to help you, but if you’re turning to outside information, you may be getting the wrong “facts” and damaging your application prospects.
Thankfully, you can ask us your questions directly on Nairaland. Our thread is labeled, “U.S. Non immigrant Visas: We’re Listening”. AbujaNIV and LagosNIV answer your queries directly so you don’t have to use informal channels to get the “real deal”. We also have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on the Embassy website.
We don’t coach people on surefire ways to get a visa. However, here’s one important piece of advice that can make or break all your future visa applications: tell the truth in your online application and during your interview.
If you are entirely honest during the visa application process but are still found ineligible, you can always apply again and you may qualify in the future. There is no shame in this. Thousands of people have waited for their circumstances to improve before reapplying and have been approved down the road.
On the other hand, if you lie or misrepresent yourself on your application or in your interview, you may be found permanently ineligible from receiving a visa to the United States. What’s more, you will have damaged your integrity and the value of your word.
One more thing: there are these pesky rumors that the United States doesn’t issue visas to applicants with “virgin” passports (that is, no prior travel stamps or visas). This is false! Hundreds of first-time travelers are issued visas each day! Fake visas, however, can lead not only to a refusal, but perhaps a travel ban, and potentially even a police arrest. It’s just not worth it.
Say no to touts, say yes to Nairaland!


