TRANSLATOR FRAUD We have received a number of calls recently regarding translators in foreign countries claiming to be, in effect, a visa service for K1 fiancée visas. The way it apparently usually works is that the translator is hired by an American man to accompany him and his non-English speaking fiancée or prospective fiancée on their dates when he visits the lady in her country. The translator becomes close to the couple, especially with the fiancée. When the couple become engaged and decide to pursue a K1 visa, she tells them they do not need to hire an American immigration attorney. Instead, for a fee that is less than the immigration attorney’s fee, she volunteers to handle the process for them. She tells them that she will “help the fiancée” with everything. By that time she has become friends with the fiancée who is nervous about the visa process and welcomes assistance from a fellow countrywoman who “has experience with K visas”. The problem with this is the same as the problem with the U.S. “visa services” that advertise all over the internet. They are not U.S. attorneys and therefore cannot do anything for you except fill out forms. Only a licensed U.S. attorney can contact, on the American petitioner’s behalf, the USCIS Service Center, Homeland Security’s National Visa Center and the U.S. Consulate in the country in which the fiancée resides. All three of these government agencies must be contacted and communicated with during the visa process. Sadly, when the American petitioner finally calls us, the translator “k1 visa expert” has messed things up and the petitioner has received a Request For Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS. Sometimes the petition has made it through the USCIS and the National Visa Service and has been denied by the Consulate at the visa interview. In the former case we can answer the RFE and get the visa approved. However, this always means that the petition has been delayed by several months. In the later case, practically speaking, the American will have to travel back to the fiancées country and legally marry her so we can start all over by filing for a CR1 spousal visa. This will delay her receiving a visa by more than one year. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please call us. We do not charge for telephone consultations.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 18:17:06 +0000
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