ComplaintsforNiren & Associates Immigration Law Firm

• Initial Complaint

  18/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello, I paid Visa Place US$7000 in the month of September 2023. They were helping me with the visa application. I was on the stage of gathering documents. There was not too much of work done on my application as I was gathering all the documents necessary for my application. A month ago, I received an email that they want to transfer me as a client to a different law firm and they will be helping me out on my application further on. I tried contacting them via email and phone and they were not at all responsive. After many days and sending them couple of emails and leaving them voicemail. They reached out to me and they told me that if I want to transfer to their preferred law Firm. I said no to the transfer. They told me if you don’t want to get transferred you have an option of closing the file and we can return the money with the 30% deduction. I asked them what was the reason for not working on my Application and transferring me to a different law firm they told me it was for the better customer service as they have too many clients. If I knew that they will be transferring me to a different law firm and not working on my application, I would never have hired them, and given my work and money to them. I have suggested them that 30% deduction is not acceptable for me as not too much of work has been done on my application. I was on the stage of gathering documents and for that I can’t be charged 30% which is equal to US$2100.

  Business response

  03/01/2024

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

• Initial Complaint

  13/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I retained VisaPlace to complete a US visa application for me. They quickly took my money and then I did not hear from them for weeks, so I assumed my application was being processed. I emailed for an update, and was asked for a mountain of additional information from a lady working out of Dominican Republic after being told a lawyer would be working on my file. Then my file was transferred to another law firm in the middle of the night. ***** *** ********* ****** ******* ** ****** **** * ******* **********. No work is done, and no applications are ever processed.

  Business response

  22/11/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.
  

  Customer response

  22/11/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: they have done nothing to address the substance of the complaint. They mismanaged my file, sent it to someone in the Dominican Republic to work on and ask me for endless documents that they did not need, and then in the middle of the night said that they would no longer be representing me. There has been no communication from Niren (aka VisaPlace) since I made the complaint, and they continue to do this same thing to other customers and clients. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *********

  Business response

  08/12/2023

  The attorney on file is in touch with the client and is working diligently to complete it. We have addressed the client's concerns internally and are hoping that this matter has been resolved. 

  Customer response

  03/01/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because the business has attempted to pressure me to have this complaint withdrawn, and I will not be pressured into doing so. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *********

  Business response

  15/01/2024

  The client brought up his concerns which have been addressed. The application has been worked on and submitted to USCIS since the initial complaint was received. As the client's main objective was for us to complete the work (which was done)  we are of the opinion that this complaint should be closed. 

  Customer response

  22/01/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because the way in which Niren & Associates conducts business is still worthy of further investigation. My matter was only given to another lawyer because I raised the matter directly, and then there were attempts made to have my ****** review edited after I posted it. They also attempted to have me withdraw this complaint. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *********

• Initial Complaint

  01/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In July 2021, my husband reached out to VP to see what his options were and process to claim his birthright as an American born in Canada. We were already in the US for training/travel. We had entered the US in May 2021. VP said that this would be a simple process and really quick, just needed to submit a passport application with Dept of State, then we could file for the children and myself after with other applications, but we had to start and finish his first. Great, sounds easy and quick - hired, let’s do this. We start collecting forms they requested and proof and submit it all. We gather them all and submit it all in Sept 2021. We confirm with them what we need to do - stay in the US or go back to Canada as one Nov 180 days is approaching and they verbally said we can’t leave until the application is done. So we stay. Then we get radio silence for over 6mths only to find out our lawyer apparently died and our file was “lost in the shuffle”. We have now been present in the US for 365+ days at this point. Nov 2022 we get a notice for RFE and it doesn’t make sense as he doesn’t have a SSN and they’re asking for it along with a written letter from the deceased US parent.. we ask again and they submit again and see. Same file comes back again in Feb 2023 and we ask if this is the right way to apply, they confirm. All the while contact is maybe once every fees weeks as the lawyer is always “on vacation”. Then more time passes and we get the exact same RFE from DOS… and another in July 2023. Nothing has changed or progressed in TWO YEARS!! Other than all our savings are gone and we are heavily over stayed on our tourist visa from Canada and cannot leave without heavy penalty. Have since hired a new lawyer-it’s an N600 he needs. Wrong application, all our savings and time lost. We have lost so much in this and they just don’t reply. We expect a FULL refund. If not, we will be contacting lawyers for legal action to recoup our lost savings.

  Business response

  11/09/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.
  
  

  Customer response

  15/09/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: your response via email was an automated email stating our case was moved to another lawyer, but the team remains the same.
  

  email stated: Please be advised that your Matter **-***** previously under the carriage of **** ****** is now under the carriage of ****** *******. 
  Your Attorney's email is: ***@*********.com. 
  
  Note that there has been a compliant transition and your file remains with your same legal team (caseworker and legal assistant). 
  
  Regards, 
  Your Visaplace Team 

  This didn’t address our concerns at all or even address the fact that it’s been over two years of doing the same WRONG action and completely ******* advice (to overstay)
  Not only that, but this doesn’t close our file, after clearly stating we have had to move forward with another lawyer because it’s been over TWO YEARS of no movement and lack of contact and all with the same WRONG application. 
  

  Address the concern of refunding due to lack of knowledge and ******* advice. Please also note, this is the THIRD lawyer we’ve had with your company and I’m sure they will give the same advice to apply for a passport.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *********

  Business response

  27/09/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  28/09/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the RFE wasn't even brought up as payment being needed/required as another level of service.  The issue still remains that the WRONG application has been made and ZERO outcome of citizenship can be maintained from this application.  It can only be done through an N-600 application.  No further care was even taken with the RFE, just a re-send.  This is NOT paying for your knowledge as skills at all - which we would have been more than happy to pay for and not go through this, but we have had ZERO progress made with this application towards citizenship in over two years. And that newly assigned lawyer hasn't even contacted us to rectify this.  Again, no contact, except through here - because this is visible and emails between client and the business isn't. 
  
  You're missing the whole point - that your company knowingly filed the WRONG application for citizenship through birth right, or that they unknowingly filed it, which means they aren't knowledgable enough in Immigration that you should be offering this service.  This is the the concern and the extreme lack of communication, going MONTHS with no reply from the offices causing our family extreme distress without being able to earn an income while stuck in a foreign country after YOU said to stay until it's complete.... 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *********

  Business response

  06/10/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  12/10/2023

  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: There is only ONE way to obtain citizenship through birthright.  In order to obtain a US Passport, it is required to give proof of citizenship.  In order to provide proof of citizenship, we are required to provide: Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (expired passports are accepted). Full validity means the document is/was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16. OR Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth OR Certificate of Naturalization OR Certificate of Citizenship (fully copied from the DHS website when applying for a passport as a person born outside of the US. https://******************************************************************************** ).  This means that a Passport application is the INCORRECT application in this instance, as **** was born abroad, and the reason why every time your company submitted our application we got the EXACT same reply for more information - as we do NOT have proof of citizenship yet... that would require the N-600.   
  

  Again, if this was the correct process to apply for his citizenship, we would have received it.  Since your office sent in the same (unchanged/unaltered) application several times in response to the RFE, yet it's sitting waiting for an SSN or citizenship proof - because it's not possible to obtain a US passport without PROOF of citizenship, which is what our application is.  

  I would love to know how this application would make sense as an alternate application for citizenship?  Otherwise, your company is in the wrong by filing the wrong application for citizenship for **** and we should be getting a refund as the error falls in your hands, not ours.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *********

  Business response

  23/10/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  29/10/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: again, we clearly stated we were in the US. You cannot apply to an embassy from within the US. Which is why the N-600 is what’s required. They also required his Social security number over and over again in every RFE that was sent back, of which he doesn’t have one, which also confirms it’s the wrong application. 
  Especially when your response to an RFE was to send in the exact same file that was requested an RFE in the first place. 
  This is making our application a never ending rebound of requests that cannot be completed.  Which means his file can never close with this application. 
  

  As to the emails, you sent one stating a new lawyer as been assigned… which is lawyer number three since we started with your company. And AGAIN, no contact has been made since this start of this complaint by the company. 
  

  You are not working for his completion of citizenship, you’re simply working to get him out of your way and take his money. *** *** * ********* *** **** *** ** **** ****** **** ** **** **** **** **** **** ******* ******* ** ***** *** ***** ************ ** ******* ******* ** *** ****** ** ***** **** *** ********** ***** *********************. 
  

  ****** *** ****** ********* *** ***** *** ***** ************ ** *** *********** *** ********* ** ** ********.

  If you want this to close, you need to fix this situation. Either refund because there is no way to complete his application you chose without a SSN (and signature of the deceased parent…) or actually reach out through email and right this wrong.  But neither have happened other than taking zero ownership.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *********

  Business response

  09/11/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

• Initial Complaint

  22/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We contacted VisaPlace back in January 2022 in order to determine my wife’s eligibility to immigrate to the United States. A video conference interview was established to determine eligibility to immigrate for which we paid $203.40. The interviewer determined that my wife could become a US citizen and subsequently sponsor me. We were told that the process would take only 8 months for her. At this point, VisaPlace charged us $6,000.00 to proceed with the immigration process. We completed the paperwork required which detailed facts pertinent to the immigration process. Shortly after sending in the paperwork the process came to a halt. The lawyer involved would not respond to our requests. Phone calls with hours of run around and emails were ignored. They still charged our ****** **** another $785.50. Finally, in April of 2023 a new lawyer contacted us to state that the paperwork was complete and we needed to pay $1,170.00 USD to submit the N-600 form to US immigration. Then, abruptly, this lawyer in May of 2023 sent us an email which stated the rules for immigration to the US which clearly showed my wife did not qualify which during the previous call she assured us that nothing was hindering her citizenship being obtained. Being incensed we asked for a refund. VisaPlace refused to respond to our request. We paid this company $7,000 on the basis that we had a pathway to the United States. We are very busy elderly people, raising our grandchildren and on a fixed budget. They knew that we did not have an opportunity for immigration but took advantage of us anyway. It has caused my wife deep sorrow and has taken a toll on her emotional health as she was looking so forward to becoming an American and being able to travel freely to be with her US parents, siblings and nieces and nephews who’ve lived there for over 25 years. They knew our plans were to ALL be sponsored (including our 4 adult children). **** ***** ******* *** ***** **** **** *********** *** *** ** ******

  Business response

  01/09/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.
  

  Customer response

  09/09/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because VisaPlace has not responded back to me prior to the 10 day deadline. We had a phone conversation with a representative from the company where we requested a full refund of the money paid. It's possible they will respond early next week.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

  Business response

  12/10/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  21/10/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: We had asked for a complete refund on the basis that right from the initial interview in January of 2022 we were told ******* had a clear solid path to US citizenship and that we did not require her father's sponsorship and the whole process would take 8 months. It wasn't until we received an email from Avalon P. in May of 2023 that she stated that the applicant (*******) must meet certain requirements. One was that *******'s parent had to be a US citizen at the time of her birth. ******* was born after her father became a US citizen which excludes her from the path pursued by VisaPlace. Our only other alternative is a sponsorship by her 86 year old father which would take an inordinate amount of time and not be feasible. We would be willing to pay for the initial consultation which totaled $203.40. We provided Manzi with the necessary information for her to conclude that a pathway was not possible without her father's sponsorship. There should have been no retainer fee established. We have documentation of every conversation.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

  Business response

  04/11/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  18/11/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  We have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to us. Although we believe that we are entitled to a full refund on the basis that the initial consultation should have determined that there was not a pathway for ******* to the US without being sponsored by a family member. VisaPlace should have exhibited more integrity by owing up to their failure to not take responsibility to end our quest for citizenship based on the information provided at the initial consultation. VisaPlace is still pocketing over $1,500 of our money which they do not deserve and should not be entitled. To drag this process out longer is onerous and with inflation the value of money is quickly deteriorating.

  It goes with saying that we will not be recommending VisaPlace.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* and ***** *****

  Customer response

  06/02/2024

  Hope all is well with you.
  
  Niren & Associates Immigration Law Firm (VisaPlace) emailed me stating that they needed up to 8 weeks to issue a cheque to settle the complaint. Their letter was dated 11-23-2023 after we signed their letter of non-disclosure. It is now 10 weeks since then and VisaPlace has not issued a cheque nor will not respond to my emails.
  
  What is the next step to resolve this issue. Thanks so much for looking into this.
  
  Kind Regards,
  ***** ***** 

  Business response

  16/02/2024

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

• Initial Complaint

  20/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We hired VisaPlace to help with filing for LMIA. We gave then $5,250.00 with a ********** over the phone one September 1,2022. This would be to recruit 2 employees but we ended up with only doing one but have not received any refund for the one not applied. Now May 30,2022 they have asked for a number of documents like PD7A form for a year. We have changed immigratation office and have in 3 weeks reached further then this company and have not needed any PD7A forms at all. Now I will send you some of the emails messages they sent us about how they plan on setting this problem. We can see that your file went through such stages as compiling legal strategy, initiation of the document collection, document collection and review, application drafting and all the communication with the legal team. As such, the deductions are usually equal to 80% of the retainer amount, however as it was brought to our attention that you have faced delays in the drafting process, we would like to reduce the deductions to 60% which is covering the work completed prior to the drafting stage. Based on the fees paid you would be eligible for a refund of $2,100.00 CAD if you want to close your file. Kindly confirm if this is how you would like to proceed so that I can guide you on the next steps of the refund process. After a conversation with them, they then replied this, With your experience in mind, I have sought approval for a refund of $2,625 CAD (50% of the amount paid).To move forward with the noted refund amount, we will require the attached form to be signed, dated and sent back via email. Once completed, our accounting department will be notified and will take over the process to finalize the refund process for you. We have communicated after that and said that is not enough since the we only applied for one recruit in the end and this is only the money amount for the recruit of the one we are not recruiting at this time. Our file number is *************.

  Business response

  29/06/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.
  

  
  

  Customer response

  29/06/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because I feel they are not realistically refunding a amount. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****

  Business response

  17/07/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

• Initial Complaint

  11/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Starting in 2021, my fiancé and I employed the services of VisaPlace (also known as Niren & Associates) to assist us in filing for a K1 petition so that I may enter the US to marry my fiancé. We paid in full up front all fees that were required, but the services have not been provided based off the fees paid, alongside the immense frustration and complications of working with this business. We began our filing process and we provided all that was required and we were advised that they would work to put together our application. This took weeks upon weeks of follow up on a regular basis however they continued to delay. At the end of them "putting things together" they mentioned they needed more information, which we could have been gathering while we were waiting. Finally after an extensive 5 month process we were able to submit our initial application. Nearly 2 years later we received a Request for Evidence because the initial legal team did not submit all the documentation that we provided, without extreme detail as we provided the items. There has only been 1 employee within this company that actually was able to help us, who has since left. In being reassigned to a new legal team, my fiancé and I have had many questions about the next steps in our process, which is by far the most critical, attending the interview. When asking these questions the lawyer assigned to our case: Avalon P., has been exceptionally unclear, and now, unresponsive since the last email to me on April 19th. Services have not been provided in full, and errors made by this company have resulted in wasted time, energy and resources. My fiancé and I have attempted to remain as professional and collected as we can while handling such a sensitive process. There are so many details that I simply can't include due to the character limit. I'm expecting a full refund of fees paid and never using this company again.

  Business response

  31/05/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.
  

  Customer response

  01/06/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: It is not yet resolved. Waiting to hear from them further. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *******

  Business response

  14/06/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

• Initial Complaint

  08/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Visa Source was hired to do some immigration work, Instead they took my money and has refuse to refund me, i have sent them more than several emails and have called them and they still refused to comply. I have all the emails contracts documents etc. to prove my case. Moreover Visa Source indicated to me that they had a immigration working on my friends case yet they took the money and have done nothing. its been almost a year and they will not return phone calls are respond to any of the emails that i have sent.

  Business response

  16/02/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  16/02/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  ***** ****** *** *** ***** *********  According to the Canadian Law Society. this law firm was supposed to render a Account.  which they did not do. The Attorney ****** ** ***. who is Visa Place's Attorney for this law firm. never did any work.. Mr. ** ***.only sent out one email indicating he will be getting  in touch with me on this case. Mr ******** ***. did not bother to contact me, after only sending out the ONE and only email. Please ask VISA PLACE STAFF to show you the proof that they render the Account to me. Along with the proof that Mr. *******  work  that he claims he did on this case. I have tons of proof. I have asked Visa Place in several emails to provide me a offer of proof of the work they did on this case. (To Date:)- Visa Place have failed to comply with my ongoing request.

   Moreover, I am imited to what I can or can not say because of the ongoing investigation. I can also ASK THE ASSESSOR office to provide the documents that will be filed in the courts with regards to VISA PLACE and their COMPADARES.. I can also provide you with the Discpline record once it becomes made public.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ****

  Business response

  04/03/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  10/03/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because, once again Visa Place has failed to comply with my request, they have only agreed to issue me a partial refund. According to the law of Ontario and other entities Visa Place has failed to give me an offer or proof of what services they have rendered. and according to the bylaws no real contract was issued on this case.

  Moreover, they have NOT taken any proper steps to resolve this complaint. I disagree with the refund policy and have asked Visa Place repeatedly in which they have refused to issue me the full refund in the amount of $1500 ** ** **** ******** **** **** ***** *** ****** ***** ** ******* *** *** ********* **** *** ******** ** ** **** ** *** *****

  I refused to agree with this complaint. I will continue to pursue further action against Visa Place including responding and filing future complaint from BBB.  I am kindly requesting that BBB keep this complaint open and that any and all bad reviews against Visa Place be made available to the public. VISA PLACE NEED TO BE EXPOSED.  and will be very soon.

   

  Sincerely,
  
  **** ****

  Business response

  22/03/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  24/03/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ****  ****** ** ***** ************* ** *** ******* *** ********. ( ****** *** ******)  *** ***** ***** ** * **** ****** ** *** *** *******?  wasnt gonna take action against this so called  Immigration law firm. One of the bases for them looking in to this case further is going against Visa's place Attorney ****** ******** ***. that was employed with Visa Source at the time of the case.

  Evidence clearly show's  that Mr. ******* was looked up on as being Ineffective Assistance of Counsel. The law soicety has notified me about about there invesitgation in to how the contract was illegail written by Visa Place.  **** *** *** ******* *** ******* ** ***** ************* **** *** **** ***  *** ***** *** **** ** **.. I have asked Visa place for a Offer or proof  or service's that they had rendered  which they have repeatedly feel to comply. with this request. I wont stop until Visa Place is exposed and the reviews by your Establishment  (BBB) be made public  based on the Power of Subpoena.. 

   ****** *. *******/VisaPlace

   Case no. ***********

  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** ****

  
  

   

  Business response

  29/03/2023

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

• Initial Complaint

  24/10/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contacted VisaPlace in March 2021. I wanted to move from Canada to the US to join my girlfriend and accept a job offer. I was advised it quickest to go to the US, marry my girlfriend and then apply for a spousal visa. As we intended to get married anyway, I followed the advice of VisaPlace. My first surprise came when the fee initially quoted to me increased significantly. Also, VisaPlace failed to advise me of additional fees I would need to pay to Homeland Security. However, I had already committed to VisaPlace so I paid over $7000 CAD, essentially draining my bank account. Then it was discovered that an application had been filed for an Immigrant Visa in error! Month after month, I was passed from one person to another. My caseworker ignored my emails or took days to respond. Completely frustrated, I spoke with a legal support rep who repeatedly scheduled phone calls with my caseworker. Most scheduled calls did not happen. I even have a few emails where the legal support rep admitted to 'just forgetting'. Wow! I received a request for another payment and when I called to inquire I was told it was just a 'glitch on our end' and to just ignore it! Finally, all paperwork was submitted and then, Homeland Security, notified me that my application was denied because VisaPlace had filed everything on OUTDATED VERSIONS OF THE REQUIRED FORMS! When I finally received my EAD, I called my caseworker and explained what I had received and asked if I could now cross the border for my brother's wedding. His response was, 'you're good to go'. After that, I went home several times but in September was stopped by the US border crossing and told I was NOT allowed to cross the border - effectively cancelling my application!! I have lost my job, my home and the ability to visit my wife. VisaPlace expressed their regret - and that was it! I have compiled all emails and phone records and I am asking for a full refund as I wait for my new lawyer to process my application properly.

  Business response

  03/11/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.
  

  Customer response

  10/11/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because the business, as they claimed, communicated directly with me via phone and asked what it would take to settle. I responded that I would need a full refund - the amount that was recorded in my complaint to The Better Business Bureau. The Client Experience Retention Specialist with whom I spoke, said she would speak with her Legal Operations Manager and get back to me. Because I am familiar with VisaPlace's tricks, I asked for an email summarizing our conversation so I had proof. The specialist agreed to send me an email immediately after our phone call on November 7th and additionally she promised to email me with an update after speaking with her manager. I have received nothing and therefore I have nothing to attach to this rejection.

  I am not surprised that this Client Experience Retention Specialist did not follow through on what she agreed upon as every dealing I have had with VisaPlace has been filled with empty promises, errors, omissions and complete negligence.

  I will settle for nothing less than a full refund as the gross negligence by Visaplace has had a lasting and devastating impact on my life and the life of my wife.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *******

  Business response

  24/11/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  26/11/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Some critical information has been omitted from the response from Visaplace.

  I have included screenshots of the emails that advised me not to travel. This is what they left out:

  1) On April 11th I received a package from Homeland Security that included my EAD card, a deficiency notice that indicated evidence that was submitted with my application was deficient (a completed and signed form I-693 was not submitted) and some other paperwork that I didn't fully understand.

  2) After emailing back and forth with a Senior Immigration Case Manager, I asked if I could travel to Canada in May for my brother's wedding. He asked if I had received my Advance Parole Document. As you can see from the attached email, he in fact did advise me to wait for it if it wasn't in the package. At that point, I wasn't sure if my package included this document. I called my case manager and spoke to him personally to be sure everything made sense to me. I described everything that was included in my package and again asked if I could cross the border for my brother's wedding. I told him my EAD card said, 'NOT VALID FOR ENTRY TO THE US' and he told me that it was okay and that I would only need to show my passport. His specific response was, 'You're good to go.' If necessary, I can access my phone records to prove this phone call actually happened.

  3) Because of all of the errors and issues and misguided advice from VisaPlace, I wanted to be sure I wouldn't have any issues coming home for my brother's wedding so I 'tested out' my EAD card and travelled to Canada on April 29th and re-entered the US on May 1st. I showed my EAD card and my passport and as Dennis said' I was good to go.' I then attended my brother's wedding in Canada in May and when I re-entered the USA, I showed my EAD card as well as my passport and still had no issues. 

  4) In July, I emailed my case worker with questions about my ability to work within the US. Yet again I received an automated out of office response advising he would contact me as soon as he was back in the office.

  5) Finally in August, I received an email from another Legal Support Associate who advised my case worker no longer worked there and now this person was in charge of my file. This person answered my questions about my ability to work in any state in the US but mentioned I should not cross international borders. At that point, on August 3rd I freely acknowledged that I had been travelling back and forth to Canada with no issues. This person replied and told me a USA attorney was included on the email and would advise me regarding my ability to continue crossing the US/Canada border. The last remark was, 'Stay tuned.'

  6) This was the critical email that resulted in devastating consequences for myself and my wife. THIS USA ATTORNEY DID NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL. I was safe in the USA at this time. Why did this attorney not respond? Why was this not a HUGE RED FLAG? Why was I not told to stay put within the US? WHY DID VISAPLACE NOT TAKE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AS IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS SERIOUSLY AND PROVIDE ME WITH ADVICE AT THIS CRITICAL TIME? As I received no response, I assumed I was still 'good to go'. 

  I would like to acknowledge that Visaplace has offered to refund me $2800 for the second application that was not completed. They feel that, as the first application was brought to completion, they do not need to provide me with further compensation. I have included screenshots of their offer and also my response. My response is I am offering to settle at $5000.00 I paid over $7000 in fees to Visaplace and to Homeland Security. While in the US, I waited months and months to begin working due to my first application being filed on out-of-date forms. Visaplace also applied for a spousal visa instead of a work visa - in error. Therefore, I went additional months without an income and depended solely on my wife, driving us into poverty. I am currently living in Canada as my wife lives in the US. I am emotionally and financially devastated. I have lost my US home and my US employment. I have retained the services of a reputable US attorney who is now completing and correcting the errors incurred by Visaplace.

  Therefore, $2800 just doesn't begin to cover the compensation Visaplace owes to me.

   

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *******

  Business response

  30/11/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  08/12/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  There was NO 'lack of mandatory documents' from my side. Everything was submitted as requested. Visaplace advised me to move to the USA and get married to enable me to apply for a spousal visa. After submitting all paperwork, I received an email that it was in fact an immigration visa and was instructed that once I received this visa I could move to the USA. ERROR - I was already living in the USA and had filled out the paperwork for a spousal visa (attached email). Issues with the first visa were NOT 'resolved'. My initial application was filed on out-of-date forms. (attached response from Homeland Security)  ERROR - This set me back months, resulting in wages lost, an error that can only be resolved with a monetary compensation. Yes, I did continue to use the services of Visaplace. To be honest, I was young and naive and had never experienced the shady dealings of a business taking my money and not providing the services they promised. (attached email) Visaplace says they 'cannot provide any refunds for completed services'. The fact is they can but choose not to.
  
  'With what may be your life's savings, livelihood and future on the line, it's important to do your research.' 'Firstly, beware of some immigration consultants because the Canadian government is still dealing with reports of shady immigration consultants taking people's money without doing any work.' 'In most cases, people who run into problems with these consultants will have little recourse.' By the President and CEO of Visaplace 
  These quotes, blogged by the president and CEO of Visaplace, were taken directly from the Visaplace website. How ironic and clever that Visaplace warns against exactly what they allegedly have been doing over and over again.  And yes, it was my life's savings, my livelihood and my future that I placed in the hands of Visaplace. 
  
  I have no reason to deny that I was asked twice in writing not to travel. But this is not an open-and-shut case - a fact Visaplace refuses to acknowledge. Visaplace takes zero responsibility for the incorrect information I was given by their former employee, regarding international travel. I was told by their Senior Immigration Case Manager I could cross the USA/Canadian border provided I showed my EAD card and my passport. ERROR - A fact I have no reason to fabricate. I travelled back and forth several times using my card and my passport and was never questioned by the border crossing agents. The second time I was advised not to travel (by yet again another representative), I was honest and let Visaplace know I had crossed the border several times, per the advice of their Senior Immigration Case Manager. I was told the US attorney would respond. When I did not hear back, I assumed, with good reason, that Visaplace was incorrect again. The 'delayed communication' from the lawyer came over a month later when I was already detained at the border, fingerprinted, photographed and treated like a criminal. This 'delayed communication' cost me everything.  Clearly, I would not have continued to travel internationally had this US attorney responded. Clearly, I would not have jeopardized everything by traveling had I received the proper advice and guidance I paid for.
  
  A 'goodwill gesture' for work done poorly is no goodwill gesture at all. Visaplace is offering $2800.00. I am asking for $5000.00 - an amount that does not begin to compensate me for the fees I paid to Visaplace, Homeland Security, my depleted life savings, my livelihood, my lost home, the damage to my family relationships and my mental health. 
  
  Visaplace, can you please take responsibility, be honest and do the right thing?
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** *******

  Business response

  24/12/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  03/01/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  While I appreciate Visa Place empathizing with me I strongly feel that this business truly does not care about their clients. Their actions speak Volumes. VisaPlace has failed to acknowledge that while the first application was completed it was not without countless errors on their end (Documents submitted on outdated forms & Failure to answer a email in a timely manner if at all.) Along with money lost on my end. VisaPlace is fully aware that the first application is now useless - Do to their error, I am no longer aloud to re-enter the USA. 
  
  I agreed to proceed as VisaPlace has acknowledged, because I was sweet talked with a “discount” as well as a promise for better service - If anything the service became increasingly WORSE!  My money was already invested so there was no way to pull away from VisaPlace without further depleting my Funds and pro-longing my visa completion.
  
  Another reason i know VisaPlace does not care about Quality or Customer service is they have FAILED countless times to admit or even acknowledge the ONLY reason I traveled outside of USA is because a member of their “team” told me during a phone call that I was “good to go” - when explaining the paper work and documents I received in the mail pertaining to travel. I have provided proof this phone call took place with said “team” member, who has since quit like so many others. This Alone shows me and the many people I have shared my story with - VisaPlace does NOT Care and “client satisfactory” is NOT a phrase VisaPlace knows. 
  
  Well I also Appreciate VisaPlace’s attempt at a “refund”. $2800 is unreasonable for VisaPlace to think this is close to being acceptable. I am asking visa place for $5000 - Less money then what was spent on this nightmare. $5000 - A fraction of what damages VisaPlace has inflicted on me and my family - Emotionally and Financially. Why VisaPlace, do you profess to Care about “Customer Satisfactory” and yet you refuse to acknowledged a member of your team gave me incorrect information? Do you refuse to take responsibility for the actions of your employees?  
  
  ******** *******.

• Initial Complaint

  09/08/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I started the immigration process for my brother and I to acquire US citizenship with visa place. We spoke with ***** one of the lead attorneys and he had given us a consultant to deal with. We were told to gather information and had sent them all our documents to the consultant, she never replied to us in over a month. I then complained with the original lead attorney that I was dealing with and they had client relations reach out to me and assigned me another consultant. The new consultant had then asked me to get a more additional information. I did and sent it over the same thing happened and I did not receive a response from him for over a month. So then I decided to contact client services and now they are not even messaging me back. I spent $4000 for them to do absolutely nothing with my file. No application was filed nor did they get back to me after they have all my personal information. I would like a refund.

  Business response

  19/08/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.
  

  Customer response

  22/08/2022

  (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
  Thank you for your response in this matter.
  
  It is my understanding that you offered to refund a total of $2925 CAD out of the $4000 that was paid for a service not completed. I am not willing to accept the deduction of $1075 for a service that was not carried out to completion as it does not seem reasonable. I can understand an administrative fee to set up the account however after I returned all the documentation required, I have yet to receive a response from any of the consultants that I dealt with.
  
  This has cause me grief as I do not believe any work was initiated on my file at all. There most definitely was no application for citizenship submitted either.
  
  Therefore, a deduction of $600 for the time the consultants/attorneys spent "working on the case" in addition to the $475 administrative fee is not a reasonable resolution.
  
  I have been consistently been dodged by VisaPlace when it comes time for them to be accountable for their parts of the process (by phone and email). I'm not willing to give away funds for this level of poor service. ** *** **** ***** **** * *****
  
  How will the refund process work? I don't feel comfortable providing any additional information other than what was already provided. I also would like confirmation that all of the information that was sent to VisaPlace regarding my file will be deleted (after the resolution is complete) as I am concerned about the privacy of my information.
  
  Looking forward to a fair resolution so I can put this mess behind me.
  
  Thanks.
  
  *** **************** ****************************************

  Business response

  02/09/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  09/09/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and will accept the resolution.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********* **********

  Business response

  16/10/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  07/11/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I have not received an email as promised even after I signed their release. And they haven’t confirmed a date for a refund. 
  

  
  

  Regards,

  ********* ********** 

  Business response

  21/11/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

  Customer response

  23/11/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  This complaint should not be considered closed until the payment is made. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********* **********

• Initial Complaint

  25/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a consultation call with a member of VISA PLACE on July 19th 2022, his name was Frank Z. I bought a package and realized the next day that I don't need it.. I called for a refund and they are giving me the run around. Nobody is answering my emails, I am receiving emails saying that they are away from their office and are gonna contact me in 24 to 48 hours, and also looked like an automatic email saying they are away from their office, after I asked for a refund, It doesn't feel right **** **** * **** *******************. I paid 2500$ US. Like I said nobody there I answering their phones or emails. So yes I want my money back if I didn't get scammed. I would.like a refund. Even sending you my client number.

  Business response

  08/08/2022

  The business responded to this complaint but asked that its response not be published.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩