The Consul General at the United States Embassy in Ghana, Mr Elliot Fertik, has advised Ghanaians seeking to travel to the United States to refrain from using so-called visa agents or consultants, warning that such practices often lead to unsuccessful applications and misinformation.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, June 24, Mr Fertik expressed concern over the growing number of applicants who fall victim to fraudulent intermediaries or submit incorrect information due to third-party involvement.
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“I will say in general that the visa application process is something you can do by yourself. Visa fixers claim they have some sort of influence on the process and they demand thousands of dollars and say they can guarantee you the visa because they know someone inside (within the Embassy). Let me be clear, they are lying; they are ripping you off. It is probably not legitimate.”
Mr Fertik noted that visa refusals have become a common issue in Ghana, largely due to the use of unauthorised and misleading intermediaries.
Many applicants, he explained, unknowingly submit incomplete or inaccurate documents, which significantly reduces their chances of being granted a visa.
He emphasised that the only legitimate way to apply for a U.S. visa is through the embassy’s official website and recommended that applicants carefully follow the instructions provided there.
“You can do it on our website, and there are also, on the website, phone numbers and email addresses that you can use when you run into difficulties.”
The Consul General’s comments come amid increasing concerns over visa scams and the exploitation of hopeful travellers by unscrupulous actors who charge exorbitant fees under the guise of ‘guaranteeing’ visa approvals.
Mr Fertik encouraged prospective travellers to seek information directly from the U.S. Embassy’s website or through its designated communication channels.
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