Have you carefully read the Address on form I-20?
One of the most fundamental rules for F-1 students is that you must physically attend the specific school campus certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) that issued your Form I-20. Have you carefully read the I-20 form? Many students overlook the critical significance of this rule. However, a dangerous scam involves institutions issuing from I-20s listing one campus (which is SEVP-certified) while having the student actually attend classes at a different, non-SEVP-certified campus location. Sometimes, they might even transfer your SEVIS record to a third-party school without your consent. This deceptive practice puts unsuspecting students’ F-1 status in serious jeopardy.
It is crucial for F-1 students to physically attend the SEVP-certified school campus listed on their Form I-20. This rule is often overlooked, leading to potential scams where students unknowingly attend a different, non-SEVP-certified campus. In some cases, SEVIS records may be transferred to a third-party school without consent, endangering students’ F-1 status.
It is vital to verify that the school address on your I-20 corresponds with the location where you are attending classes.
Ensuring that the school address on your I-20 matches your actual class location is essential. This article details the deceptive practices of the wrong campus or 3rd party I-20 scam, highlights its fraudulent nature, and emphasizes the serious consequences, particularly in terms of maintaining your F-1 student status accurately on your I-20 form.
How the “Wrong Campus / 3rd Party From I-20” Scam Operates
SEVP certification is location-specific(campus- specific). A university might have multiple campuses, but only those explicitly approved by SEVP can enroll F-1 students and have their address listed on the From I-20 as the site of attendance. Predatory or non-compliant institutions might circumvent this in several ways:
- Issuing I-20 from Certified Campus A, Requiring Attendance at Uncertified Campus B: The school issues an I-20 listing their main, SEVP-certified campus address. However, they direct the F-1 student to attend classes, labs, or other required activities primarily at a different physical location (a branch, satellite site, or partner facility) that has not been approved by SEVP to host F-1 students.
- False SEVIS Reporting: The Designated School Official (DSO) at the certified campus (Campus A) falsely reports in the SEVIS system that the student is attending their location and maintaining a full course of study there, while knowing the student is actually at the uncertified site (Campus B).
- What is Third-Party issued Form I-20 ?: In some cases, a school might issue an initial from I-20, then, without the student’s full knowledge or informed consent, transfer the student’s SEVIS record to a completely different institution (often one with lower academic standards or questionable practices) to mask the original school’s non-compliance or lack of proper authorization.
These actions often target students seeking lower tuition, specific programs not offered at the main campus, or geographical convenience, exploiting their trust in the institution and the official-looking Form I-20. Adding to the risk, when a school knowingly operates outside the rules like this, the involved DSO might become unresponsive (“ghost” students), making it difficult to get clarification or help.
Attending a campus hat differs from the one listed on your Form I-20 is considered a violation of F-1 regulations.
Attending a campus that differs from the one listed on your From I-20 is considered a violation of F-1 regulations. Engaging in such practices poses serious consequences for international students in terms of maintaining legal status in the United States. It is crucial for F-1 visa holders to adhere strictly to the regulations outlined by SEVP to avoid jeopardizing their immigration status. International students should always ensure that any changes related to their academic program or campus placement are accurately reflected in their official documents. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in severe penalties, including potential deportation from the U.S. Therefore, it is essential for students to be vigilant and proactive in managing their immigration responsibilities.
Enrolling F-1 students at an uncertified location( which non SEVP certified), even if the From I-20 lists a certified campus, is a direct violation of SEVP regulations and constitutes misrepresentation or fraud:
- SEVP Certification is Site-Specific: Authorization to enroll F-1 students is granted to a specific school location (physical address) listed on the Form I-17 petition filed with SEVP. Attending classes primarily at a different, unapproved site means the student is not enrolled at the institution certified to host them.
- Material Misrepresentation: The Form I-20 certifies enrollment at the listed institution and location. If this information is false, it’s a material misrepresentation made to the student and the U.S. government to obtain or maintain F-1 status.
- Failure to Maintain Status: By attending an uncertified location, the student, often unknowingly, fails to maintain the conditions of their F-1 status, which requires enrollment and attendance at the SEVP-certified school listed on their current From I-20.
In case of any confusion regarding the school address on From I-20, students should reach out to their DSO immediately for clarification.
Devastating Consequences for Victimized Students
Numerous DSOs at the affordable school aim to ease the concerns of F-1 students regarding the Form I-20. If there are errors or confusion about the school address on the From I-20, it could result in issues with immigration authorities. Should a student fall victim to any misrepresentation by the school, the repercussions of being linked to such deceitful actions primarily impact the student.
- Immediate Loss of Status: Once discovered, the student is considered out of status because they were never pursuing a valid course of study at the certified location listed on their I-20.
- SEVIS Record Termination: The student’s SEVIS record is likely to be terminated, often for “Unauthorized Attendance at Uncertified School” or potentially for fraud.
- Loss of Benefits: All F-1 benefits (work authorization like OPT/CPT, grace periods) are lost.
- Departure Required: Students are typically required to depart the U.S. immediately with no grace period.
- Accrual of Unlawful Presence: Depending on when a formal finding of a status violation occurs, the student risks accruing unlawful presence, leading to potential 3/10 year or permanent re-entry bars.
- Future Visa Denials: A record of status violation due to attending an uncertified location or association with institutional fraud makes future U.S. visa applications highly likely to be denied.
- Financial Loss: Tuition and fees paid to the fraudulent operation are lost.
Remember that your school address on From I-20 can be the difference between compliance and jeopardizing your F-1 status.
Red Flags: Spotting the DIFFERENT Campus Scam
Be vigilant and question these signs when applying for an F-1 visa or checking your documents. Maintaining accurate records, including the school address on I-20, is vital:
- The physical address where you attend most/all classes is DIFFERENT from the “School Address” listed on page 1 of your Form I-20.
- The school heavily promotes a specific campus location, but your I-20 lists a different address (often in another city or state).
- Difficulty getting clear answers from the DSO about why the campus addresses don’t match or about the SEVP certification status of the location you *actually* attend.
- The DSO is unresponsive or “ghosts” you when asked about location discrepancies.
- Being told the location difference is just an “administrative detail” or that attendance is “flexible” between listed and actual locations.
- Lack of substantial facilities, faculty, or administrative presence at the campus address listed on your from I-20.
- Pressure to accept an From I-20 quickly without verifying details.
- Discovering your SEVIS record was transferred to a different school without your explicit, informed consent.
Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the school address on From I-20 to avoid any risks to their F-1 status (e.g., denial of OPT, denial of Form I-765).
Don’t assume your Form I-20 is automatically correct just because the school issued it:
Pay careful attention to the school address on Form I-20. Ensuring it is correct can save you from unnecessary stress and potential legal issues. Make sure to verify:
- Check the From I-20 Address: Does the school address on page 1 match where you are required to physically attend classes? If not, demand clarification immediately.
- Verify SEVP Certification Online: Use the official Study in the States School Search tool. Search for the school name AND the specific campus address listed on your From I-20. Confirm it is certified. Then, search for the address where you actually attend classes – is that specific location also listed as SEVP-certified for that institution?
- Ask Your DSO Directly (and Document): Ask your DSO, “Is the campus location where I physically attend my classes SEVP-certified to enroll F-1 students?” Get the answer in writing (email) if possible. If they are unresponsive, escalate within the international office or consider contacting SRC.
- Decide weather you need to transfer to other school.
- Report Concerns: If you suspect misrepresentation and cannot get clear answers, contact the SEVP Response Center (SRC) or consult an immigration attorney.
Verify that the campus listed is the campus you are actually required to attend and that it is SEVP-certified. Falling victim to a “wrong campus”issued Form I-20 scam can derail your education and your entire future in the U.S.
Students should check their school address on from I-20 every time they receive a new Form I-20 to ensure ongoing compliance with SEVP regulations.
See Action Plan Resources for F-1 Students
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney or your Designated School Official (DSO) at a verified, legitimate institution for advice regarding your specific situation.