Published : 26 Sep 2026, 06:06 PM
Updated : 26 Sep 2026, 06:06 PM
The United States has launched an online portal allowing the public to report suspected visa fraud and misuse directly to federal authorities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the initiative alongside a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals who facilitate "birth tourism", VisasNews reports.
The policy is aimed at organisers and intermediaries who arrange such trips, as well as service providers who knowingly participate in such schemes or encourage applicants to provide false information in visa applications, the travel news portal said.
The “Report Visa Fraud” form is available through the official Travel.State.gov website and allows anyone with information about suspected fraud or misuse involving a US visa to submit it directly to authorities.
The state department asks people filing reports to provide as much information as possible, saying specific details about the individuals or circumstances involved could be useful in supporting an investigation.
Reports can be submitted anonymously. Providing a name and email address is optional, although authorities can contact those who provide their details if further information is needed.
The portal can be used to report suspected misconduct involving fraudulent documents or false travel plans, sham marriages arranged by intermediaries, shell companies, fabricated job offers and practices associated with “birth tourism”, according to the department.
Information submitted through the portal may be used to initiate or support a law enforcement investigation or consider immigration-related action, its privacy notice says.
When legally authorised and operationally necessary, information may also be shared with federal, state or local US authorities, as well as foreign law-enforcement agencies.
Authorities said confirmed cases of fraud may result in visa revocation or referral to appropriate authorities for further investigation.
Washington also says it has identified and taken action against “tens of thousands” of people involved in visa fraud since the start of Donald Trump’s second term, with many cases reportedly identified through public tips.
The figure was provided by the department, which did not release detailed data showing the number of cases or visa categories involved.
The portal comes as US authorities introduce additional screening measures for visa applicants.
The department announced on Sept 18 that online presence reviews will be expanded from Oct 1 to applicants for I visas, used in particular by representatives of foreign media, as well as TN and TD visas for certain Canadian and Mexican professionals and their dependants.
Applicants in these categories are being instructed to set their social media profiles to “public” or “open” so the required screening can be conducted.
Several other visa categories, including certain student, exchange visitor and temporary worker visas, are already subject to enhanced online screening.
The new portal does not change the requirements for obtaining a US visa or an ESTA electronic travel authorisation, but gives the public a more direct way to provide authorities with information about a visa application, an already issued visa or suspected misuse of one, according to VisasNews.
