US Embassy cautions seekers of American work visas to Alaska, other States

COLOMBO: The United States Embassy in Colombo, cautioned Sri Lankans yesterday that the only legitimate means of obtaining a visa to visit or work in the United States is by making an application to the Visa Section of the Embassy.

Recent cases involving fraudulent work visas for Sri Lankans to work in Alaska or other States in exchange for a fee prompted the call by the Embassy for prudence when hearing about such offers.

"The bottom line for Sri Lankans to remember," said the Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission Jim Entwistle, "is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Consul General Marc Williams reminded the public that offers involving legitimate employment in the United States, can only be made with the written approval of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

"Any other parties or agents claiming to be able to arrange visas or employment for a price should be treated with utmost caution and thoroughly examined," Williams said.

The US Embassy urged the Sri Lankan public to exercise maximum care and scrutiny of such offers.

Williams added that any questions or information concerning potentially fraudulent offerings may be directed to the Consular Section of the US Embassy.