OPT Students in the U.S. Hit by Fake Job Scheme Crackdown

Hundreds of OPT students in the U.S. are facing a race against time as federal authorities intensify action against job consultancies accused of fabricating employment records. These firms, long known for keeping students “employed” on paper by issuing fake payslips and payroll records without offering real work, are now under heightened scrutiny.

With several consultancies abruptly halting these practices, students who depended on them to maintain their visa status under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program now have just 60 days to secure legitimate work — or risk losing their legal status.

“It’s terrifying,” said a 26-year-old postgraduate from Hyderabad, currently in Houston. “I was told I had an employer and was getting pay stubs, but now they’ve stopped. Finding real work at short notice feels impossible.”

Another 25-year-old from Hyderabad, staying in Virginia, said the fabricated payroll kept him financially afloat. “I’ve been paying thousands in rent and tuition thinking my paperwork was in order. Now I’m scrambling, with less than two months to find genuine work. I’m even looking for trustworthy consultancies — if any exist.”

OPT Students: Visa and Immigration Risks

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines, fake payroll documentation is considered fraudulent and can have serious consequences. These include termination of the I-20 form, immediate loss of immigration status, and even allegations of misrepresentation in future visa or green card applications.

Immigration lawyer Nicole Alexandra Gunara, principal solicitor at Manifest Law, warned that OPT students in the U.S. should take proactive steps.
“Do a gut check on the legitimacy of your role or consultancy,” she said. “Speak with your Designated School Officer (DSO) or your university’s international student office — they often know which companies have problematic arrangements. Connect with other employees or F-1 students via LinkedIn, request a written statement outlining duties, and verify whether the company has active client contracts.”

She added that even students who were unaware of fake payroll practices should seek immediate legal advice, gather evidence of acting in good faith, inform their DSO, and switch employers if possible.

A Shrinking Window of Opportunity

The crackdown comes as the job market remains challenging for international graduates, particularly in tech and consulting. The 60-day unemployment allowance under OPT rules leaves little margin for error. Many students are now turning to networking events, career fairs, and alumni connections in a last-minute push to secure genuine employment offers.

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