Since June 1, 2020, several students have received notification emails from the U.S. Consulates mentioning that their F-1 visas have been revoked.

The email mentions that the visa has been revoked under Sec 221(i) of INA and is no longer a valid travel document. The email also says that the revocation is effective immediately and that if the Student is in the United States, the revocation will become effective immediately upon his departure from the U.S.

Sec 221(i) authorizes the consular office or the Secretary of State in their discretion, to revoke a visa that has been issued. There is no judicial review nor an appeal for such revocations.

We understand that these denial notifications are issued to those students who had submitted offer letters from four companies, namely, Integra Technologies, AZtech Technologies, Andwill or Wireclass. Allegedly there is an ongoing fraud investigation against these companies. These companies have allegedly taken money from F-1 students to issue fraudulent letters of employment so that they could apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and also given false attestation on From I-983 upon taking money to obtain STEM extension for F-1 Students.  Several thousands of students may be involved in this fraud investigation.

Subsequently, the students who allegedly used the fraudulent letters of employments have received emails from their respective universities mentioning that they would have already received or will be receiving revocation emails from U.S. Consulate. 

Below is the excerpt from an email received from the University.  

   

Dear Student,

Based on our reports and the information we have, while on post-OPT or STEM OPT, 
you were either employed at or are currently employed at Integra Technologies, 
AZtech Technologies, Andwill or Wireclass. It appears that these employers were 
issuing false employment offer letters without actual job offers. 

This is considered OPT fraud and as such, you may have or may receive an email 
from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate letting you know that your F-1 visa has been revoked 
based on 221(i).



As a clarification, if you are in the United States, the visa revocation will not 
impact your F-1 status. 

However, please be aware that given that fraudulent activity was involved, this is 
considered a crime in the United States and there may be other actions taken on 
the part of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department 
of Homeland Security, such as deportation. We recommend that you seek the advice of 
an immigration attorney (a list is attached) to discuss further, as it is beyond 
the scope of our services.


If you have any other questions, you may have that we have not answered in this 
email us at international-office@xxxx.edu

    At this point, we are unaware if the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.) would take any measures which include arrest and subsequent deportation proceedings against these Students.

Students should seek legal counsel and weigh in the legal consequence of fraud investigation against these companies from whom they have obtained the letter of employment. Students should reach out to their attorneys regarding the consequences of revocation of visas. The finding of fraud and misrepresentation could result in a permanent bar to enter the United States.

All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. If immigration (ICE) officers visit your home or workplace or stop you on the street or in a public place, know you have certain rights.  

 

Read the below link prepared by AILA in the event ICE approaches you at any one of the below-mentioned locations.  

Know your rights if the ICE comes to your work place. CLICK HERE 

             

Know your rights if the ICE visits your home. CLICK HERE    Know your rights if the ICE stops you in Public. CLICK HERE