Indian Student Says Fake US Firm Led to OPT Loss, Warning Others

The student, who was on an Optional Practical Training extension, had been working for what they believed was a legitimate U.S. company. The firm, however, had no physical office and existed only on paper, according to the student's account.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted an audit of the employer and found the company to be a shell operation. The agency then revoked the student's STEM OPT authorization, leaving them with 30 days to leave the country.

The student, who has not been named, is now warning other international students to thoroughly vet their prospective employers. They advise checking for a physical office, verifying business registration, and speaking with current employees before accepting a job offer tied to visa status.

Immigration attorneys say such cases are increasing as USCIS steps up enforcement against fraudulent employers who offer fake job opportunities to maintain visa status. They urge students to be cautious and to seek legal advice if they suspect their employer may not be compliant.