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This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate. (December 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Visa fraud" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (December 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Visa fraud has different criteria in various parts of the world but the commonly accepted points are the sale, provision, or transfer of otherwise legitimate visas, misrepresentation of reasons for traveling and forgery or alteration of a visa.

In the United States

The United States reports that most cases of visa fraud are related to immigrants lying about their situation to seek refuge in the country, though smuggling and terrorism are also both key factors in the crime.

In the United States, visa fraud can be prosecuted under several statutes, including;

• 18 USC 1546 Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents
• 18 USC 1001 False Statements or Entries Generally
• 18 USC 1028 Fraud in Connection with Identification Documents

It is a federal offense subject to harsh sentencing, though mitigating factors are often taken into account in the case of potential immigrants. The maximum penalties faced by fraudsters are recounted below.

• 10 years for a first offense not tied to terrorism or drug trafficking
• 15 years for fraud with other criminal links
• 20 years for fraud related to drug trafficking
• 25 years for fraud related to international terrorism

Notable incidents

• German visa affair (2005)
• Polish cash-for-visa scandal (2023)
• United States
  • Tri-Valley University – unaccredited private university shut down in 2011 for visa fraud
  • Devyani Khobragade incident (2013)
  • University of Northern New Jersey – 2013 sting operation to investigate student visa fraud
  • University of Farmington – 2015 sting operation to investigate student visa fraud
  • Herguan University – unaccredited private university revoked of SEVP approval in 2016

See also

• Diploma mill
• Human trafficking
• Illegal immigration
• People smuggling
• Sham marriage
• White collar crime

References

1. Bureau of Diplomatic Security. "Passport and Visa Fraud". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved December 15, 2023.

• Fraud
• Human migration
• Visas