Visa sponsorship scams: how to spot and avoid them

LiveRec EditorialUpdated

US federal rules as of October 30, 2026. Sources re-checked against official pages on October 30, 2026. Where a figure could not be confirmed, this page links the official source instead of stating it.

Visa sponsorship scams promise what no one can: no employer, recruiter or website can guarantee a visa, a lottery selection or a green card. USCIS lists pay-to-jump-the-line offers, payment to individuals and requests by gift card or Western Union as scams. If someone asks you to pay for sponsorship or registration, stop and check.

Warning signs

  • A guarantee of selection or approval.
  • Payment by Western Union, MoneyGram, Venmo or gift cards. USCIS says it does not accept these for immigration fees.
  • Being asked to transfer money to an individual.
  • Emails or calls claiming to be USCIS.
  • An employer asking you to pay its green card labor costs (barred under 20 CFR 656.12(b)).
  • A "notario".

How to check

  1. Stop. Do not pay or sign under pressure.
  2. Look the employer up yourself using the company's own website.
  3. Compare any fee with the official USCIS fee page.
  4. Use .gov sites.
  5. Report it.

On LiveRec

Use Report job on the job's page. A person on the LiveRec team reviews every report and decides what to do, which can include suspending the account. Upload immigration documents only through the job's Immigration tab. See how verification works.

Where to report

The FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, your state consumer protection office, local police if you lost money. If you are being forced to work, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

What does USCIS say scammers do?

USCIS says scammers try to confuse you by complicating the immigration process, use social media, email or phone calls, and impersonate government officials to get personal information. Be cautious of:

  • Emails from people you do not know that look legitimate, or that contain typos.
  • Emails that do not end in .gov. USCIS says U.S. government email addresses always end in .gov.
  • Offers to expedite your case for money, and promises of a quick benefit.
  • Attachments from senders you do not recognize.
  • Requests to transfer money to an individual or to pay fees any way other than through your myUSCIS account.

USCIS also says it does not accept Western Union, MoneyGram, Venmo or gift cards for immigration fees, and will never ask for a payment by phone or email.

What does USCIS say about job offers from abroad?

USCIS says to beware of companies offering a job in the United States from overseas or by email, especially if you are asked to pay money to receive a job offer. Even a legitimate job offer does not let you work in the United States unless you have a green card, an EAD, or an employment-related visa that allows work for a particular employer. If you are already in the US on a student visa, talk to your designated school official before you take any job.

Who can legally help?

USCIS says you do not need a representative to file forms. If you choose one, make sure the person is an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Department of Justice recognized organization. A "notario público" is not authorized to provide immigration legal services in the US. To verify, check the American Bar Association and the state bar, or the Executive Office for Immigration Review's accredited representatives roster. Ask for receipts, copies of notices and copies of forms prepared for you.

Step by step: a job offer that mentions a visa

  1. Look up the employer from its own website and not a link in the message.
  2. Ask who will file and what the company pays. For a green card, DOL's rule bars the employer from seeking or receiving payment for activity related to the labor certification.
  3. Compare any fee to the USCIS fee schedule.
  4. Never send a payment to an individual.
  5. Use only .gov sites for immigration questions.
  6. If something feels wrong, stop and ask your DSO or an attorney.

Where to report

USCIS says to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (877-FTC-HELP), your state consumer protection office, or local police. USCIS also takes tips about immigration fraud through its online tip form. It says reporting fraud committed by someone else generally will not hurt your application if you are not involved. EOIR's Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program takes reports at 877-388-3840 or [email protected].

Common mistakes

  • Paying a "registration fee" for an H-1B. Only the employer registers.
  • Believing a "guaranteed" selection or approval.
  • Sending passport scans to an unverified recruiter.
  • Sharing an OTP or USCIS login with an agent.

FAQ

Is a "guaranteed H-1B" ever real? No.

Does LiveRec verify every employer? See how verification works.

Can someone sell me an H-1B appointment? No. See H-1B stamping in India.

Does a legitimate email from USCIS exist? USCIS says it does not routinely email approvals, except in some situations such as prompting an address update, from a uscis.gov address.

What if I already paid? Stop paying, keep records, and report to the FTC and local police. If you are in India, also see job scam safety for India.

Next step: use Report job on the job page, or submit a support ticket from the Help Center.

Sources

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.