U.S. Embassy Issues Warning To Nigerians Over Fake Work Visa Press Statement

The United States embassy in Abuja has warned Nigerians about a fake press statement purportedly issued by them, offering a new type of work visa for Nigerians between the ages of 40 t0 50 years of age.

The warning reveals that the news is the work of scammers and fraudsters who are in the business of circulating such fake press releases, and urges Nigerians to reach out to official sources should they have questions bordering on visa legitimacy issues.

The fake press release says that applicants and children who have been vaccinated must make a deposit of $150 per person as a condition for visa approval. 

It also claims that applicants are required to pay the sum of $250 for an English proficiency test.

It reads in part: "President Joe Biden, the 46th US President has signed an Executive Order that interested citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who measure in some special professions are eligible for American Work E-Visa and Residence Permit. This was communicated to the Nigeria US Department of Immigration.

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"The terms of the Executive Order allows 25,000 citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between the age of 40 to 55 whose area of expertise are among the following: Health workers, engineers, marine workers, accountants.

"Applicants and children who have been vaccinated must make a pre-visa vaccination deposit of $150 per person which is required as a condition for visa approval.

"Applicants are also required to make a deposit of $250 for English proficiency test."

Responding to the fake press statement, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja stated, "Fraud Alert!  Scammers and fraudsters are circulating a fake press release claiming to offer a new type of work visa to Nigerian citizens aged 40-55.

"It's the same old scam, but in fresh packaging - don't be a victim! If you have questions about whether visa information is legitimate, please refer only to official sources."

Fraud Alert!

Scammers and fraudsters are circulating a fake “press release” claiming to offer a new type of work visa to Nigerian citizens aged 40-55. It’s the same old scam, but in fresh packaging – don’t become a victim!

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 25, 2021

If you have questions about whether visa information is legitimate, please refer only to official sources: https://t.co/UrlmAaIYJP, https://t.co/GD3pd7k0ZY, and https://t.co/K7rIrNsz6S. pic.twitter.com/fg8RT7yP5S

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 25, 2021