Tag Archive J-1

ByPhillip Kim

F-1 & J-1 Students: Be Careful – Scams on SEVIS

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI) has seen an increase in the number of scams targeting
unsuspecting international students. Cultural and language barriers often make
it difficult for international students to discern genuine offers for assistance from
scams, making them particularly vulnerable to deceitful solicitations.

For example, scams may take the form of all-inclusive student visa service packages or great deals on travel. Often students realize too late that the fees they paid to a company to organize their trip to the United States are lost forever or they have not been properly registered as promised by the scammer.

Scam companies will often produce websites or addresses that are similar in name to legitimate student organizations or government agencies. To avoid falling prey to these solicitations, students should carefully scrutinize websites and thoroughly
research companies before submitting any payments or personal information.
School officials should work with their international students to ensure they are aware of how to avoid scams.

International students are required to adhere to many rules and regulations to maintain their student status, so it is especially alarming when they receive an email or telephone call advising them that their immigration status is in jeopardy unless they provide immediate payment for services, fees or fines.

With these scams, students are typically contacted by email or telephone, and often the sender or caller will know specific information about the student. The scammer will usually request immediate payment either by credit card or electronic
transfer, and may even claim to be from a U.S. government agency or known student organization.

Students should be aware that a government agency would never contact them by telephone to demand immediate payment and would never request that the student wire money for immediate payment. Students should always consult with their designated school official (DSO) about their immigration status. Additionally, students should pay careful attention to the email address of any contact, as government emails and websites will always end in “.gov” and never “.com.”

HSI recommends that school officials communicate to their students that if they receive a scam telephone call or email, they should:
–Not give out any personal information.
–Not send money.
–Obtain as much information from the caller or email as possible without
alerting the scammer so they can report it to police, HSI or the Student and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and their DSO.

We ask DSOs to immediately alert their student body when they learn of any scams
targeted toward international students so others are not harmed and to also contact
their local HSI office or SEVP to notify them of any identified scams. DSOs may
also contact the HSI Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) if calling from the
United States.
(from SEVP)

ByStaff

Interested in J-1 agency? Learn More Here

J-1 visas are designed to increase social interactions between people of different countries. These visas enhance cultural values and education throughout the world. Specifically, J-1 visas allow foreigners to come to the U.S. with non-immigrant status as foreign exchange students, interns, trainees, or workers.

Every month, more than 150,000 people participate in the J-1 program. These Student Visas are amongst the most popular non-immigrant visas.

There are a variety of programs available to those seeking J-1 non-immigrant status. Agriculture, hospitality, business, communication, and engineering are just some of the programs that are available to people world-wide.

Some programs come with a salary and others don’t. It depends on the company or organization and what their specialty is. Time periods also vary from one organization to the next. While some companies sponsor students for up to 18 months, others keep workers or students for just the summer of a 6 month program.

J-1 exchange visitors need sponsorship from such organizations. There are a few different ways to secure sponsorship:

• Contact the company directly and they will assist you with what you need to do in order to get a position in their firm

• Contact a third part recruiting agency in your home country who will take your resume or qualifications and match you with a job or education opening in the U.S.

• Find a company that will hire you on your own and contact a sponsorship organization that will offer you a sponsorship if your suggested employer or university clears their required standards.

Companies often offer some advice about how to get a visa but this is not always the case. Furthermore, they do not go through the process step-by-step with you, leaving room for error in your application.

Specialized Immigration Attorneys will assist you in finding the right company and sponsor. They will also file your visa paperwork for you, so you can be sure that your request won’t be denied if you are eligible. Plus, Immigration Lawyers will work with you if you want or need to reapply for a visa or extend your status.

Immigration Attorney Phillip Kim has handles a variety of immigration cases. If you have any questions about J-1 Agency or how to apply for a J-1 visa, contact Attorney Phillip Kim right away!