Promises of a guaranteed visa, a guaranteed job or date, paying to skip the queue, no employer needed, or working on a tourist visa are red flags. Only a U.S. attorney or accredited representative can give legal advice, and PERM costs are not yours to pay. Check registration, get everything in writing, and report suspected scams.
Every year, people who want to work and live in the United States lose money, time and sometimes their chance at a lawful path because someone made them a promise that sounded too good. Immigration processes are slow and depend on decisions by government agencies, so anyone who sounds certain about the result is either mistaken or not being honest. This article lists the most common warning signs, shows how to check who you are dealing with, and explains where to report a scam. It is general information, not legal advice.
Promises that should stop you
- "Guaranteed visa, guaranteed job or guaranteed date." Nobody can guarantee a visa, because the Department of Labor, USCIS and the State Department make the decisions. Nobody can promise a date either, because the Visa Bulletin changes every month.
- "Pay us to skip the queue." There is no payment that moves your priority date forward. Your place in line is set by law and the date your case was filed.
- "You do not need an employer." The unskilled EB-3 category normally needs a U.S. employer with a real, permanent, full-time job. Be very careful about any offer that says otherwise.
- "You must pay the PERM and legal costs." Under Department of Labor rules, the employer must pay the labor certification costs. See who pays EB-3 costs.
- "Come on a tourist visa and start working." Working on a tourist or visitor status is a violation and can put your future immigration options at risk. An immigrant visa is a different process, and you should travel to work only after you have the correct status.
- "Send us your passport original." Handing over an original passport to a private party is risky. Provide copies when you can, and keep control of your original documents.
Who is allowed to give legal advice
In the United States, only a licensed attorney or an accredited representative working for a recognized organization can give legal advice about immigration. A "consultant", "agent" or "visa specialist" who is neither can help with translation and filling in forms at most, and cannot advise you on your case. In Taiwan, immigration agencies must be registered with the Ministry of the Interior. Global Immigrate holds registration no. C0309, and you should ask any agency in Taiwan to show its registration and check it yourself. In Hong Kong, employment agencies need a licence from the Labour Department, so ask to see it. Registration shows only that a firm is permitted to operate. It does not prove that a particular job or visa is real, so keep checking everything else.
A checklist you can use
| Question | A safer answer looks like | A warning sign looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Who is the employer? | A named company, address and contact you can verify | No name, or only a chat account |
| Who is the attorney? | A licensed U.S. attorney you can look up and speak to | "Our people handle it", no name |
| What do I pay? | Only costs the rules allow, with a written receipt | Cash, personal accounts or crypto, no receipt |
| What is promised? | Honest explanation of the steps and long waiting times | Guaranteed result or date |
| Where do I travel? | Only after the correct visa is issued | Tourist visa to start work early |
| My documents? | Copies shared, originals stay with me | Pressure to hand over passport originals |
| How fast must I decide? | Time to read, ask and consult | "Pay today or lose your place" |
If something feels wrong
Stop paying and do not sign anything new. Keep every message, receipt and document. Ask a U.S. immigration attorney, or contact us for a second opinion on whether an offer looks genuine. You can report suspected immigration scams to USCIS and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you have lost money, also report it to the police where you live. In Taiwan you can call the 165 anti-fraud line, and in Hong Kong you can contact the Hong Kong Police Force. Reporting early helps, even if you are embarrassed. Scammers rely on that embarrassment.
For more on checking an employer, read how to tell a real employer from a scam. We cannot guarantee any job, visa or timeline, and neither should anyone else. You can also read other families' stories to see how careful people approach this.
Official sources
More articles
- October 2026 Visa Bulletin: what it means for EB-3 Other Workers
- EB-3 unskilled costs: what the employer pays and what you pay
- Born in Taiwan or Hong Kong? How country of birth affects your EB-3 wait
- Who qualifies for EB-3 Other Workers (unskilled) sponsorship?
- PERM labor certification, step by step: what happens and who does what
- Who pays for EB-3? What the employer must cover and what you normally pay
- Real EB-3 employer or scam? How to check before you pay anything
- EB-3 unskilled jobs: typical duties, how wages are set and how to read a listing
- Can my spouse and children come too? How EB-3 family members are included
- Consular processing or adjustment of status: which route applies to EB-3 workers abroad?
- The immigrant visa medical exam and interview: what to expect and what to bring
- Living costs by state: how to think about rent, transport and food on an EB-3 wage
- Can I change jobs after the green card? The intent-to-work principle and job portability
- If your EB-3 employer withdraws or goes out of business: what happens and what to do
- English and job training for EB-3 unskilled workers: what you need and how to prepare
- Your rights as a green-card worker in the US: minimum wage, overtime, safety and where to complain
- Why EB-3 cases get delayed or refused: common reasons and what you can control
- EB-3 vs EB-2: what changes if your qualifications go up, and what happens to your priority date
- Your first 90 days in the U.S. after arriving on an immigrant visa