WARNING: Dangerous “I-20 Mill” Scam Targeting F-1 Students I-20 Scam Alert: Dangerous I-20 Scam I-20 mill

I-20 Scam (I-20 mill) Scheme Targeting F-1 Students Beware

“Pay-to-Stay Scheme” Targeting F-1 Students. For many international students, maintaining valid F-1 status is the top priority while studying in the United States. Unfortunately, some fraudulent operations exploit this need through deceptive schemes commonly known as “Pay-to-Stay” Scam. These are not legitimate educational institutions; they are visa mills designed primarily to take tuition money in exchange for issuing a Form I-20, allowing students to remain in the U.S. without providing the required education. Falling victim to such a scheme can have catastrophic immigration consequences.

What is a I-20 Scam (Pay-to-Stay Scheme)?

A Pay-to-Stay Scheme (scam) operation pretends to be a legitimate school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). However, its main business is not education, but rather enabling foreign nationals to obtain or maintain F-1 student status improperly.

Key characteristics often include:

• Minimal or No Real Instruction: Classes may be non-existent, extremely low quality, have lax attendance policies, or offer little academic rigor.
• Focus on I-20 Issuance: The primary service offered is providing the Form I-20 needed for the F-1 visa and SEVIS record maintenance.
• Facilitating Status Maintenance: The “school” exists to keep the student’s SEVIS record “Active,” regardless of genuine academic progress.
• Potential Link to Unauthorized Work: Some schemes may turn a blind eye to, or even implicitly encourage, students working illegally off-campus, as the students aren’t actually spending time in legitimate classes.

I-20 Scam Pay-to-Stay Scheme often in Connection to 100% Online Programs & False Reporting

A common tactic used in modern I-20 Scam, I-20 mill ,”Pay-to-Stay” schemes involves exploiting the rules around online study. Here’s how it often works:

1. Recruitment: The operation recruits F-1 students, sometimes promising flexibility or low costs.
2. Online “Enrollment”: Students are enrolled in programs that are delivered entirely or predominantly online.
3. False Reporting: Critically! the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) falsely reports to SEVP that the student is enrolled in an on-ground or compliant hybrid program that meets F-1 physical presence requirements.
4. Invalid From I-20: Based on this false reporting, the DSO issues a Form I-20 that appears legitimate but is based on enrollment in a non-compliant program structure. It could jeopardize F-1students OPT application (From I-765).

This allows the “school” to collect tuition and maintain the student’s SEVIS record, while the student may believe they are complying with the rules, unaware that their actual enrollment modality violates F-1 regulations. (See F-1 Students & 100% Online Programs: Rules & Risks.)

Why I-20 Scam or I-20 mill is Extremely Dangerous for F-1 Students

Participating in a Pay-to-Stay Scheme, even if you were unaware of the fraudulent nature, constitutes a severe violation of your F-1 status. The U.S. government considers enrollment at such institutions to be immigration fraud.

The consequences can include:

• Risk of OPT denial and SEVIS Record Termination: Once discovered, your SEVIS record will likely be terminated for fraud or failure to maintain status.
• Loss of Status: You immediately lose your lawful F-1 status in the U.S.
• No Grace Period: You are generally required to depart the U.S. immediately.
• Visa Revocation: Your F-1 visa (and potentially other U.S. visas) may be revoked.
• Inadmissibility Bars: Engaging in visa fraud can lead to permanent inadmissibility, meaning you may be barred from ever entering the U.S. again.
• Detention and Deportation: You become subject to removal proceedings.
• Loss of All Investments: Tuition paid is lost, and the time spent is wasted.
• Impact on Future Applications: Any future U.S. visa or immigration benefit application will be severely jeopardized.

Federal agencies like ICE actively investigate and shut down these operations (e.g., the cases involving the University of Northern New Jersey). When these schools are exposed, the students enrolled, regardless of their intent, face serious immigration consequences.

How to Identify a Potential I-20 Scam or I-20 mill (scammy School)

Be extremely cautious if a school exhibits these signs:

• Guarantees Visa Approval or Status Maintenance: Legitimate schools cannot guarantee immigration outcomes.
• Unusually Low Tuition Combined with Easy Admission: Especially if significantly lower than comparable institutions.
• Minimal Attendance Requirements: Lack of enforcement of attendance or participation.
• Vague or Poor Quality Instruction: Unqualified instructors, irrelevant coursework, or classes that rarely meet.
• Focus on CPT/Work Authorization: Programs (especially “Day 1 CPT”) that seem primarily designed to facilitate work rather than education.
• Recruiters Heavily Involved in I-20 Process: SEVP prohibits recruiters from handling I-20 issuance.
• Lack of Physical Campus/Infrastructure: Limited facilities, classes held in unusual locations, or a primary focus on online delivery despite issuing I-20s for on-ground study.
• Accreditation Issues: Lack of proper accreditation from a recognized body, or recent warnings/sanctions from accreditors.
• Pressure to Pay in Cash or Unusual Methods.
• Poor Communication/Unresponsive DSOs ( DSO’s Frequent Ghosting!).

Protect Yourself: Verification is Key

• Verify SEVP Certification for each campus: Use the official Study in the States School Search tool to confirm the school and specific campus are certified.
• Check Accreditation: Verify the school’s accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education’s database or the accrediting agency’s website.
• Research Thoroughly: Look for independent reviews, news articles, and information about the school’s reputation. Be wary of overly aggressive marketing.
• Ask Specific Questions: Inquire directly about physical attendance requirements, program structure, faculty qualifications, and compliance with F-1 online study limits. Get answers in writing if possible.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a program seems too easy, too cheap, or overly focused on maintaining status rather than providing education, it’s likely a red flag.

Don’t risk your future on a fraudulent I-20 mill “Pay-to-Stay” scheme. Choose legitimate, accredited, SEVP-certified institutions that prioritize genuine education and regulatory compliance.

See Action Plan Resources for F-1 Students

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney or your Designated School Official (DSO) at a verified, legitimate institution for advice on your specific situation.