Recent reports indicate that O-1 visa applicants with approved petitions are facing increased scrutiny from the Fraud Prevention Unit (FPU) of the U.S. State Department during the visa stamping process at U.S. embassies abroad. This development raises concerns as many applicants believed that approval from USCIS marked the end of their challenges.
Key Details:
- The FPU is independently contacting recommenders listed in O-1 petitions to verify the authenticity of their letters.
- Questions posed by the FPU include whether the recommender wrote the letter, if they used a draft or template, and if they reviewed the letter before signing.
- The FPU is also requesting original letter files and signature samples for verification.
- This increased scrutiny is creating delays and anxiety for applicants who have followed all rules and procedures.
The heightened involvement of the FPU signifies a significant shift in the processing of O-1 visas, complicating an already complex pathway for applicants.
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Source: Poonam Gupta, Esq.