An F-1 student on STEM OPT recently shared a serious legal concern on Reddit. The student works at a consultancy firm and is listed as employed in the SEVIS database, but the situation appears far from normal.
According to the post, the student has not received any work, payroll, or salary. Despite this, the employer is now pressuring the student to file taxes using a W-2 form.
The W-2 reportedly shows a false income of $60,000. The employer is insisting that this amount be filed with the IRS, even though the student claims they never received such earnings.
Legal experts warn that filing such information could amount to tax fraud. It would mean declaring income that was never actually paid, which can lead to serious legal consequences.
Such practices are often linked to questionable consultancy firms. These setups may attempt to show that OPT students are employed to maintain their legal status in the system.
STEM OPT rules clearly require a genuine and paid employer employee relationship. Any violation of this requirement can put the student’s immigration status at risk.
Authorities can request documents like W-2 forms, tax returns, and pay slips during visa processes. This includes future H-1B or green card applications.
If inconsistencies are found between reported income and actual bank records, strict action can follow. This may include status cancellation and even a ban from entering the United States.
Experts strongly advise the student to seek legal help immediately. Reporting such fraudulent practices can help protect their status and prevent further complications.
