The United States Embassy in Nigeria has distanced itself from a press release promising a set of Nigerian professionals work visas in the US upon payment of some prescribed fees.
The embassy issued the denial in a tweet it shared on Thursday.
A copy of the press release circulating online claimed that Nigerians aged 40 to 55 years could take advantage of a new type of work visa to emigrate and work in the US.
The release which purportedly emanated from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services identified eligible candidates as health workers, engineers, marine workers, accountants, among others.
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A copy of the press release read in part, “President Joe Biden, the 46 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.
“The terms of the Executive Order allows 25,000 citizens of the Republic of Nigeria between the age of 40 to 55 whose area of expertise are among the following: Health workers, engineers, marine workers, accountants…”
It further stated that applicants and children that have been vaccinated must make a pre-visa vaccination deposit of $150 per person as a condition for visa approval.
In addition, it read, applicants were required to make a deposit of $250 for English proficiency test.
However, the US Embassy warned Nigerians against falling for the “scam”.
The US Embassy’s tweet read, “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!”
See tweet:
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