Early Visa Issuance?

[careenmae 1]

Hello. My team and I were quite worried about our US Visa because our schedule for interview and tentative departure from the Philippines are just about a week apart. Is it possible to request for an early issuance of the Visa? The trip is a bit sudden because this trip to the US to attend a global conference is part of a prize from a competition, and the winners were just recently announced.

Thank you!

[RhettVoe 282]

One cannot request issuance of a visa...one has to first qualify for the visa....these last minute winners of some nebulous contest are one of the most common excuses used to try and get visas for those who could not otherwise qualify for one...it's astonishing how often the "winner" was just announced a week before the scheduled trip to the US in order to claim the "prize." .

[Boiler 45,967]

Sounds scammy.

What team?

[RhettVoe 282]

(this should be interesting)....what 'team' and 'what prize or contest did said team 'win' and by what means did said team enter said contest? And where might the names of these 'lucky' winners be published, so all of the details of this amazing contest can be reviewed?

[Boiler 45,967]

Makes you wonder how much the tickets would be when bought at such short notice.

[careenmae 1]

I actually did not expect that kind of response. The winners were actually announced two weeks ago, but the earliest appointment schedule available is two weeks from now. That is why I'm asking if it's possible to request for an earlier issuance of visa (after the visa is approved in the interview of course).

The contest is actually a research paper competition for students. The winners were announced in a conference, then we presented our paper in front of about 200 people. We already have an invitation letter from the company which is based in the US.

For it to turn out like this, I'm actually a bit scared right now. It's my first time posting in a forum like this. I'm sorry if I raised doubts. I am just really worried that we may not make it to the global conference in time.

[RhettVoe 282]

So, out of curiosity, what's the name of the company shelling out for all of these airline tickets, hotels, the focus of the paper, and why is it necessary that these students go to the US? How does the company benefit?

[Boiler 45,967]

Link?

[RhettVoe 282]

There is good reason to be concerned....as I mentioned previously, the 'gee, I just won a free trip to the US' is one of the biggest visa scams around...tried over and over and over, hoping to line up with the newest of COs who might not have seen this sort of thing before....

[alicia98981 128]

You know RhettVoe, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all. You're about as good as a troll constantly bashing people for not having the same negative opinions toward immigration you do, fact or otherwise. If the OP was scammed, just say so without being a douche bag, good grief. You never have anything to contribute but scathing sarcasm . . .

[Boiler 45,967]

I would have a chat with the Company that are paying for all this, sounds like they have been through this before, why they would have the announcement so close when dealing with a high fraud consulate is a mystery to me.

[careenmae 1]

I actually don't understand what's going on.. Can you please tell me why the company's suddenly being attacked?? I just wanted an answer to my question. Why has it become like this?

I don't want to give anymore details.. I'm scared like right now, even though I didn't do anything wrong. Maybe posting in this forum is the only thing I did wrong. Please forget that I asked. Let's not make a big deal out of this.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

The other posters are really trying to help you. Scammers exist all over. Did you pay any fees for this contest or the prize ? What is the name of the company. Proof that there are legit and well known will help you get the visa, if they are scammers you need to know that also.

[alicia98981 128]

I suggest you do a legitimate online search of the company that sent you this information and check if they have a real business and online history of scamming. If this were a real company, they would most likely be in touch with you about your potential arrival as it is well known that the US Immigrations is very difficult to clear as far as issuing a visa and time consuming. To give you such a short deadline to claim your prize in country is not a good sign. Check with a representative from the country about how people without visas are dealt with in situations like these as it should be a common occurrence if this is a real contest. . .

[RhettVoe 282]

What I said...sorry, but we do not live in a Pollyanna world in which no one lies...scammers abound....if you don't think that a thorough VO won't do an internet search, well, tbink again...to the weepy Alicicia....what did I say that was so different than what you posted? why is it ok for you to have an opinion, but no one else?. Notice that the OP refuses to provide any meaningful details...another sign that something might be questionable. Few reputable companies / organizations would wait until the last minute to "award" people free trips to the US knowing visas were necessary...oh

Gosh....did I imply that somebody might be lying......I am sure glad all politicians tell the truth...

Edited February 26, 2014 by RhettVoe