On September 23, 2026, the United States announced several measures aimed at strengthening efforts to combat visa fraud.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio notably unveiled a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals who engage in or facilitate “birth tourism”. US authorities say the policy is intended to target organizers and intermediaries who arrange such trips, as well as service providers who knowingly participate in these schemes or encourage applicants to provide false information as part of a visa application.
That announcement was accompanied the same day by the launch of a broader tool: an online portal allowing members of the public to submit information directly to the State Department about suspected fraud or misuse involving a US visa.
A form for reporting visa fraud and misuse
Available through the official Travel.State.gov website, the “Report Visa Fraud” form allows anyone with information about potential fraud or misuse involving a US visa to submit it directly to the authorities.
The State Department asks individuals filing a report to provide as much information as possible. According to US authorities, the more specific the details identifying the individuals or circumstances involved, the more useful the information may be in supporting an investigation.
Reports can be submitted anonymously. Providing a name and email address is optional, although doing so allows authorities to contact the person submitting the information if additional details are needed.
The State Department says the new 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.”
Reports may lead to investigations or visa revocations
Information submitted through the portal is not simply collected as a tip.
The portal’s privacy notice states that information may be used by the State Department to initiate or support a law enforcement investigation, as well as to consider immigration-related action. When legally authorized and operationally necessary, information may also be shared with federal, state, or local US authorities, as well as foreign law enforcement agencies.
In its September 23 announcement, the State Department also said confirmed cases of fraud may result in actions including visa revocation or referral to the 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 tips from the public. That figure was provided by the State Department, which did not release detailed data alongside the announcement showing the number of cases or visa categories involved.
US steps up visa screening and enforcement
The portal comes as US authorities have introduced a series of additional screening measures for visa applicants in recent months.
The State Department announced on September 18 that, beginning October 1, 2026, online presence reviews will be expanded to applicants for I visas, used in particular by representatives of foreign media, as well as TN and TD visas, which are used by certain Canadian and Mexican professionals and their dependents.
Applicants in these categories are being instructed to set their social media profiles to “public” or “open” so that 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.
With the launch of its new reporting portal, the State Department is adding another tool to its visa fraud detection system. The portal does not, in itself, change the requirements for obtaining a US visa or an ESTA electronic travel authorization. It does, however, give the public a more direct way to provide authorities with information concerning a visa application, an already issued visa, or suspected misuse of one.
VisasNews Take
The new portal does not introduce any additional requirement for travelers and does not change the rules for entering the United States. Instead, it centralizes reports of suspected fraud or misuse involving US visas. Its launch, alongside new screening and visa restriction measures announced by Washington, reflects increased scrutiny both during the application process and after a visa has been issued.
