An Indian software engineer has recently shared a troubling experience with a visa consultancy, revealing what appears to be a case of potential fraud.
The engineer, who currently earns a significant salary at a top tech company in India, was approached earlier this year by a small consultancy firm, referred to as “X.” The firm promised to sponsor him for an H1B visa.
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The firm requested a hefty processing fee of 4 lakhs INR, assuring him that it would be refunded after two years of employment. However, the engineer felt uneasy as all their communications were conducted over WhatsApp instead of official channels.
Despite his initial concerns, he went ahead and paid 2 lakhs INR upfront, only to be later informed that his H1B application had been selected in the lottery.
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Since then, however, the consultancy has delayed providing essential documents needed for the visa application, claiming that his technical profile required adjustment.
They have failed to supply the necessary details for his HS-160 form and have even withheld the original I-797 form. The firm’s founder suggested that the engineer “restructure” his skillset, which raised further suspicions.
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He now faces two difficult choices: proceed with limited documentation and risk rejection, or pay the remaining amount and hope the consultancy follows through.
Meanwhile, he is considering seeking assistance from the U.S. embassy, filing a complaint, and exploring other options.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for professionals navigating the H1B visa process and highlights the risks associated with unverified consultancies.
Experts advise those seeking visa sponsorship to conduct thorough research and remain vigilant, as deceptive practices continue to threaten careers and aspirations.
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