Latest news with #NicoleAlexandraGunara
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
US OPT students grapple with employment instability and visa risks amid intensified payroll fraud
The landscape for international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States has become increasingly precarious in 2025. OPT allows F-1 visa students to work temporarily in their field of study for up to 12 months, with extensions available for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates, providing vital practical experience and career opportunities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, a growing crackdown on consultancies issuing fabricated payroll records has exposed many students to legal uncertainty and employment instability. These firms, which once provided students with fake payslips to maintain their visa status without meaningful work, are now under intense regulatory scrutiny. The human cost of a regulatory crackdown As authorities tighten oversight, numerous consultancies have ceased issuing fraudulent payroll documents, leaving hundreds of OPT students with a narrow window, sometimes as short as 60 days, to secure legitimate employment. Failure to do so may result in loss of visa status and other severe immigration consequences. The human impact is palpable. A 26-year-old postgraduate from Hyderabad, residing in Houston, described the situation as deeply unsettling. 'I was under the impression that I had a legitimate employer and was receiving authentic pay stubs. Now, with those stops, the pressure to find real work in such a limited timeframe is overwhelming,' she said. Another student, 25 years old and also from Hyderabad, currently living in Virginia, revealed how the fabricated payroll was crucial to managing significant living and educational expenses. 'I had been paying thousands of dollars in rent and tuition, believing my documentation was valid. Now, the sudden disruption has thrown my plans into disarray, and I am urgently seeking trustworthy consultancies and real job opportunities,' he explained. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Legal risks and immigration consequences The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explicitly labels such falsified documentation as fraudulent, cautioning that it jeopardises an individual's immigration status and future prospects. Consequences include termination of the I-20 form, loss of OPT eligibility, and potential allegations of misrepresentation during subsequent visa or applications. Advice from immigration experts Nicole Alexandra Gunara, principal immigration solicitor at Manifest Law, advises students to take decisive action. 'Students must rigorously assess the authenticity of any prospective employers or consultancies,' she said. 'It is imperative to engage with your Designated School Officer (DSO) or the international student office. Universities often have critical insights into dubious arrangements and can guide students toward legitimate opportunities. ' Gunara further recommends leveraging professional networks such as LinkedIn to connect with current employees or fellow F-1 students. 'Request clear work statements that delineate roles, responsibilities, and deliverables. Verify that the company holds active client contracts to confirm its legitimacy.' On the legal front, Gunara emphasized that ignorance does not offer immunity. 'Even if a student was unaware of receiving fake payrolls, they should promptly seek legal counsel. Gathering evidence to demonstrate good faith, reporting concerns to the DSO, and changing employers when feasible are essential steps to mitigate risk.' Navigating a complex employment landscape As enforcement of immigration regulations intensifies, OPT students face mounting pressure to navigate a more complex and unforgiving environment. Institutions and immigration advisors play a vital role in supporting students through this period, helping them understand evolving requirements and access reliable employment resources. For many, the road ahead requires vigilance, informed decision-making, and swift action. The evolving situation underscores the importance of transparency and legitimacy in OPT employment, reinforcing that the stakes are higher than ever for international students striving to build careers in the US. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
OPT students in US urged to ‘do a gut check' as they risk losing legal status amid crackdown on fake job consultancies
With authorities in the United States stepping up action against job consultancies, students who are in the country on Optional Practical Training (OPT) are facing renewed uncertainty. In the past, some companies allegedly kept students nominally employed by issuing fake payslips and payroll records, and refused to provide real work. However, these firms are now under stricter oversight. OPT students in US urged to 'do a gut check' as they risk losing legal status amid crackdown on fake job consultancies (Unsplash - representational image) Hundreds of OPT students were dependent on such practices to maintain their visa status. However, with several consultancies now halting such arrangements, these students have only 60 days to find genuine employment. Should they fail to do so, they risk losing their legal status. Read More | Trump admin pauses some green card applications: How will this affect Indian immigrants? "It's terrifying," a 26-year-old postgraduate student from Hyderabad, India, who now lives in Houston, told The Times of India. "I was told I had an 'employer' and was receiving pay stubs, but now they've stopped. I don't know what to do; finding real work at short notice is almost impossible." A 25-year-old who now stays in Virginia claimed that the fabricated payroll had kept him afloat in the US. "I've been paying thousands in rent and tuition under the assumption that my paperwork was in order. Now I'm scrambling, with less than two months to find something genuine. I'm now looking for trustworthy consultancies,' he said. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines, this type of documentation is fraudulent, and may put a person at the risk of losing their legal status, and endanger their future immigration prospects. Fake payrolls can lead to the termination of an I-20 form, and loss of immigration status. In some cases, individuals may even face allegations of misrepresentation in immigration processes later, such as H-1B visa or green card applications. 'OPT students should do a gut check' Immigration experts believe students should take proper measures immediately. "OPT students should do a gut check and assess the legitimacy of any roles or consultancies they are considering," said Nicole Alexandra Gunara, principal immigration solicitor at Manifest Law. Read More | Indians in US haunted by one question – can Trump strip them of their Green Cards overnight? What you need to know "Speak with your Designated School Officer (DSO) or international student office, as universities are often aware of problematic arrangements. Reach out via LinkedIn to speak with other employees or F-1 students at the company, ask for a clear work statement outlining duties and deliverables, and verify whether the company has active client contracts," she continued. Gunara said of the legal implications, "Even if a student was unaware they were being issued fake payrolls, they should seek immediate legal counsel, gather evidence to show they acted in good faith, report the issue to their DSO, and change employers if possible."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
OPT students face visa risk as US cracks down on fake job consultancies
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Students in the U.S. on Optional Practical Training OPT ) are facing fresh uncertainty as authorities step up action against job consultancies. These firms, which previously kept students nominally employed by issuing fake payslips and payroll records without providing real work, are now under stricter many consultancies halting such practices, hundreds of OPT students who depended on these arrangements to maintain their visa status may have only 60 days to find genuine employment or risk losing their legal status."It's terrifying," a 26-year-old postgraduate student from Hyderabad, currently residing in Houston, told The Times of India. "I was told I had an 'employer' and was receiving pay stubs, but now they've stopped. I don't know what to do; finding real work at short notice is almost impossible."Another 25-year-old from the city, currently staying in Virginia, shared how the fabricated payroll had kept him afloat in the US. "I've been paying thousands in rent and tuition under the assumption that my paperwork was in order. Now I'm scrambling, with less than two months to find something genuine. I'm now looking for trustworthy consultancies."US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines state that such documentation is fraudulent and may endanger an individual's legal status and future immigration prospects. Fake payrolls can result in the termination of an I-20 form, loss of immigration status, and, in some cases, allegations of misrepresentation in future immigration processes, such as H-1B visa or green card experts are urging students to take proactive measures. "OPT students should do a gut check and assess the legitimacy of any roles or consultancies they are considering," said Nicole Alexandra Gunara, principal immigration solicitor at Manifest Law."Speak with your Designated School Officer (DSO) or international student office, as universities are often aware of problematic arrangements. Reach out via LinkedIn to speak with other employees or F-1 students at the company, ask for a clear work statement outlining duties and deliverables, and verify whether the company has active client contracts," she saidOn the legal implications, she added: "Even if a student was unaware they were being issued fake payrolls, they should seek immediate legal counsel, gather evidence to show they acted in good faith, report the issue to their DSO, and change employers if possible."(With TOI inputs)
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
OPT students face visa risk as US cracks down on fake job consultancies
iStock Students in the U.S. on Optional Practical Training (OPT) are facing fresh uncertainty as authorities step up action against job consultancies. These firms, which previously kept students nominally employed by issuing fake payslips and payroll records without providing real work, are now under stricter oversight. With many consultancies halting such practices, hundreds of OPT students who depended on these arrangements to maintain their visa status may have only 60 days to find genuine employment or risk losing their legal status. "It's terrifying," a 26-year-old postgraduate student from Hyderabad, currently residing in Houston, told The Times of India . "I was told I had an 'employer' and was receiving pay stubs, but now they've stopped. I don't know what to do; finding real work at short notice is almost impossible." ALSO READ: Princeton University to offer free tuition for families earning up to $250,000 Another 25-year-old from the city, currently staying in Virginia, shared how the fabricated payroll had kept him afloat in the US. "I've been paying thousands in rent and tuition under the assumption that my paperwork was in order. Now I'm scrambling, with less than two months to find something genuine. I'm now looking for trustworthy consultancies."US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines state that such documentation is fraudulent and may endanger an individual's legal status and future immigration prospects. Fake payrolls can result in the termination of an I-20 form, loss of immigration status, and, in some cases, allegations of misrepresentation in future immigration processes, such as H-1B visa or green card applications. ALSO READ: US set to impose fixed-term limits on foreign student visas as White House clears proposal Immigration experts are urging students to take proactive measures. "OPT students should do a gut check and assess the legitimacy of any roles or consultancies they are considering," said Nicole Alexandra Gunara, principal immigration solicitor at Manifest Law."Speak with your Designated School Officer (DSO) or international student office, as universities are often aware of problematic arrangements. Reach out via LinkedIn to speak with other employees or F-1 students at the company, ask for a clear work statement outlining duties and deliverables, and verify whether the company has active client contracts," she saidOn the legal implications, she added: "Even if a student was unaware they were being issued fake payrolls, they should seek immediate legal counsel, gather evidence to show they acted in good faith, report the issue to their DSO, and change employers if possible." (With TOI inputs) (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. BlackRock returns, this time with Ambani. Will it be lucky second time? The airport lounge war has begun — and DreamFolks is losing End of an era: The Maggi Man who rebuilt Nestlé India bows out India's last cement IPO did not work. Can JSW Cement break that curse? Is Shadowfax closing in on its closest rival? Stock Radar: APL Apollo Tubes stock fails to hold momentum after hitting highs in June; what should traders do? Buy, Sell or Hold: Avendus trims target on Titan Company; Motila Oswal maintains buy on Jindal Stainless These large- and mid-cap stocks may give more than 25% return in 1 year, according to analysts
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
OPT students in US face visa risk as authorities crackdown on fake payrolls
1 2 Hyderabad: Students on OPT (optional practical training) in the United States are facing renewed uncertainty as authorities begin cracking down on job consultancies. Oversight has been tightened on firms that provide students with fabricated payslips and payroll records in order to keep them technically employed, without offering any meaningful work. Now, under increased scrutiny, many of these consultancies have ceased issuing such fake payrolls. As a result, hundreds of OPT students, many of whom relied on these arrangements to maintain their visa status, now find themselves with potentially just 60 days to secure legitimate employment or risk falling out of status. "It's terrifying," said a 26-year-old postgraduate student from Hyderabad, currently residing in Houston. "I was told I had an 'employer' and was receiving pay stubs, but now they've stopped. I don't know what to do; finding real work at short notice is almost impossible." You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Another 25-year-old from the city, currently staying in Virginia, shared how the fabricated payroll had kept him afloat in the US. "I've been paying thousands in rent and tuition under the assumption that my paperwork was in order. Now I'm scrambling, with less than two months to find something genuine. I'm now looking for trustworthy consultancies." US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines state that such documentation is fraudulent and may endanger an individual's legal status and future immigration prospects. Fake payrolls can result in the termination of an I-20 form, loss of immigration status, and, in some cases, allegations of misrepresentation in future immigration processes, such as H-1B visa or green card applications. Immigration experts are urging students to take proactive measures. "OPT students should do a gut check and assess the legitimacy of any roles or consultancies they are considering," said Nicole Alexandra Gunara, principal immigration solicitor at Manifest Law. "Speak with your Designated School Officer (DSO) or international student office, as universities are often aware of problematic arrangements. Reach out via LinkedIn to speak with other employees or F-1 students at the company, ask for a clear work statement outlining duties and deliverables, and verify whether the company has active client contracts," she said On the legal implications, she added: "Even if a student was unaware they were being issued fake payrolls, they should seek immediate legal counsel, gather evidence to show they acted in good faith, report the issue to their DSO, and change employers if possible." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
