US Sting Operation fake university - Need to have listing of all institutes which can enroll international students

While many Indian students study abroad and this number is growing day by day. While the data on the number of students from India studying abroad is not accurate however the government in the year 2017 has released this data in answer to the question in Lok Sabha raised by one member. 

Please click here to see the report 

According to this reply in the Lok Sabha and as per the government data (2017)  its estimated that almost 5.53 lakh Indian students are studying in 86 countries.  Plus as per this document almost 206708 Indian students are studying in the USA out of the 553440 Indian students studying abroad, the highest for any country.

While USA is the top and favorite destination for Indian students and students are attracted by the the top ranking universities with excellent infrastructure and its believed that US degrees offer them great exposure and get them into a rewarding career. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) available to international students is the major attraction. 

https://factly.in/time-high-2015-16-number-indian-students-usa-set-fall-2016-17/

But the current issue in USA about the fake university and undercover operations to find illegal students who are involved in the "pay to stay" scam is on every one’s mind. Prospective students and parents are confused with the ongoing press and media reports daily. It’s being told that many Indian students (almost 130) have been arrested or being asked to leave the country for breaching the student visa (F1) conditions and termed as illegal students. Its also told than another 500 students enrolled in other such fake universities have received notices. This time the Department of Homeland Security conducted an  undercover operation of creating a fake university and enrolling students in this has led to the current happenings. Some argue that the students were not aware that the university they have enrolled is fake and such claims go on.

Here are some links to this story

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/129-indians-out-of-130-students-arrested-in-us-pay-and-stay-immigration-scam/story-RApI0Xa35VuNMdAyQ6VJmI.html

While they say that U.S. Department of Education has taken numerous steps to strengthen their accreditation system for education providers but still I think it has quite a few loop holes.

In the past few years we have seen students enrolled at Tri Valley University, University of Northern Jersey, University of Northern Virginia, Northwestern Polytechnic University and few others being sent back and their visas cancelled. These fake universities were attracting students promising all goodies like CPT from Day 1 and encouraging students to enroll. 

Almost all such universities were owned by American citizens who knew how to con the students with . In the first place why permit them to set up such fake colleges? Next was there no audit system to monitor their enrollments and course quality that was delivered.

The fact is that in USA there is NO legal registry of courses and education providers (colleges, universities) that can be enroll international students 

In India we have the University Grants Commission (UGC) which very clearly on their website lists all recognized universities both public and private plus also rates them. The website also has the list of fake universities operating in India with a warning to students not to enroll in such institutes. .(https://www.ugc.ac.in/page/Fake-Universities.aspx) 

While most other countries have such information on public domain and easy for anyone to access this information and understand but its MISSING with the United States or confusing. 

The US government must work on a similar model to the Australia or even New Zealand and learn from them.

While in Australia there are some really excellent legislations in this area. The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is a register of Australian education providers that recruit, enrol and teach overseas students. It’s a strict regulation that education institutions can only enrol and deliver education services to international students in Australia on a student visa if they are registered on the CRICOS.  In addition to this all Education Registered providers must have met, and continue to meet, the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (National Code).

(Please see  http://cricos.education.gov.au/default.aspx)

Such strict governments acts or publicly available information is missing with USA  and various departments and it’s also believed that their audit system has enough flaws. 

I must congratulate both Australia and New Zealand governments to have such transparent and good legislation which benefit both all parties including the students,  government agencies and education providers. Having such good legislation's such as ESOS Act and CRICOS will definitely protect the rights of the international students and all involved. The way its implemented is also very well structured. 

In USA there are some associations like AIRC which are non-profit and work for the betterment of the international education industry, at least they must have some information on their websites about these fake or good universities and pass it on to their agency members.

Students must be educated on such fraud and to follow the right protocols instead of such “sting operations”.   

While I am totally aware that the intent of the students enrolled in such fake universities is wrong and they must face the action. However we must also consider the fact that they were encouraged by American citizens to pay tuition fee, luring them with goodies such as no need to classes, earn credits and make progress for actual degree. Yes it’s a “pay to stay” scam but how can such be avoided in future? 

Obstacles in getting part time job for the international students in Australia

As education consultant one of the common and popular questions to me from prospective students is about the part-time jobs.

International students in Australia on a valid student visa can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight (every 2 weeks) while their course is in session, and there is no limit on the number of hours an international student can work during vacations.  

Family members (spouses) accompanying the international student under their student visa have the same work rights as the student – 40 hours per fortnight. For those students obtaining a graduate degree, like a master’s degree or doctoral degree, their spouses can work unlimited hours (full time).

The one good thing about working part-time while studying is the great opportunities which international students can attain with first-hand experiences in the working environment and this can help them prepare for the real working world. It’s a great head-start and develops their interpersonal skills.

International students can get into a wide range of industries and have part time employment opportunities in areas such as:

·         Retail - supermarkets, petrol stations, other retail and clothing stores

·         Hospitality - cafes, bars, sporting venues  and restaurants

·         Tourism - hotels and motels.

·         Agricultural - farming and fruit-picking.

·         Sales and telemarketing.

·         Administration or Clerical roles.

·         Tutoring.

However part-time jobs are NOT easy to find and here I have outlined various reasons that can make it difficult to find one:

Unreliable: Some employers worry that students are unreliable because of busy study and exam schedules and other commitments. The main concern is that  if they employ too many students, then around exam time most or all will ask for time off or even just quit. Another issue is that they think students are not serious and may cause errors and may just walk away without being responsible.

Lack of network with locals: This is a major one. Many international students find it very hard to make friends with locals and their only known friends are other international students from their own university or college and often from their own country or hometown. This makes their network limited and they often don’t hear about jobs which they can get into.

The Right CV: It’s observed that many international students don't know how to prepare a good CV (resume) for employers. The format, spellings and grammar is pathetic and it does not really project on the actual skills of the applicant and how the applicant is suitable for the job or with no emphasis on his skill set.Its suggested that students invest a small bit of money in getting professional help with their CV (resume).

English ability:  This is the most common reason for students not to get short listed for the jobs. In quite a few retail and customer service positions, there is a need for good command of English.  If you're fluent with less mother tongue influence then this won't be an issue.

Not having a local and valid driver licence: This too sometimes can affect ability to get some jobs. Some jobs have a requirement of full driver’s license and knowledge of roads, suburbs, traffic and city.

Experience and Referees: Many international students are not experienced and will need a lot of training especially in customer service and product knowledge. Most employers don’t want to spend time in training and may consider already trained people for the job. Some positions require formal training which include handling food safety, fire and . Its also observed that many international students don’t have a referee. The Referees is a person who can give potential employer information about the applicant’s past work experience, skills, character and conduct.

Prejudice: It’s also observed that a few business owners only prefer to employ people from within their own ethnicity. This is actually wrong and illegal but it does happen. For example, some Chinese employers will only hire Chinese, some Indian employers will only hire people who come from the Indian sub-continent, some European may only employ European etc.  It can also be because of language reasons, but in reality they just feel more comfortable working with people similar to themselves. But again this can also work to the applicant’s advantage if they are from the same ethnic group as the employer.  This may not be common and prejudice is not major, but it can be a factor sometimes.

Most student jobs are advertised on the university/college job-board and popular employment websites and community newspapers. ts also acceptable by many businesses where the job applicant can walk in and drop their resume and ask for vacancies. Its advised that students leave their resume with potential employers and ask them to keep in mind for future vacanciesInternational students must make sure they have a good CV with Australian mobile number and local address and  Tax File Number (TFN)

To make the employment process as easy as possible, students must have a Australian bank account in which the employers can deposit the earnings. They must also apply for Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation office, in this way they are not taxed high rate (Almost all employers will provide job seekers with a TFN declaration or it can be obtained online or by calling Australian Tax Office on 13 28 61).

It is important that all international students are aware of their employment rights. They are paid a fair wage for any work they do, so beware of employers who insist on paying ‘cash in hand’ or those who ask  to complete unpaid work on a ‘trial’ basis. Students should also be familiar with the pay and conditions for the area of employment — known as an ‘award’ — and carefully read any employment contracts they sign. 

See the https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/visa-holders-and-migrants for more details.

Note: My advice to students is not to depend on part-time work for all their expenses. International students must have sufficient financial support from their home. It is very important for students to concentrate on their studies before looking for work.

Nishidhar Reddy Borra 

Atlas Education Consultants, India 

nishiborra888@gmail.com

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Misconception

F1 (Student Visas) & Pay to Stay scams

The illegal student issue (which includes international students breaching the conditions) is of top concern to the US authorities and they have taken serious steps to curb it. Every country does this.

While the news here is all about the fake University of Farmington undercover operation by Department of Homeland Security, USA – there is a lot of misconception and in the general public. The entire operation was to get the data of international students who have misused their student visa and breached its conditions.

It must be noted that the exact number of students who got the notice or detained by the department is not clear, while a few TV channels claim it to be 600 students and others claim it to be 1500 or even 5000. It’s also projected that ALL Indian students studying in USA  are being targeted. These wrong speculations and projections are creating panic among many parents here.

Website of the fake University of Farmington as on 01/Feb/2019

While the truth is that many students have used falsified academic documents, fake financials and other documents to gain the student visa. Many have changed the courses and universities looking for short-cuts seeking admission into value less courses and dodgy institutes. Many have breached the student visa condition and are working full time. They have knowingly joined such fake and dodgy institutes just to keep their F1 (student visa) status alive and to stay on in the country. While there is unconfirmed news that a few such students have been detained for immigration violation and may face deportation soon.

USA is the home for the largest foreign-born population and is a country of immigrants. Students studying at good universities and who have submitted genuine documents or have not breached the student visa regulations NEED NOT fear at all. Genuine students with intentions to study are always welcome in USA.

As an education consultant and to avoid any such situation in future I urge the media to educate the prospective students and parents of the facts:

    1) That overseas study is expensive affairs and they must have sufficient funds for tuition fee and living expenses

2     2) That Student cannot work while studying and only option is on-campus jobs for up to 20 hours per week which are very competitive and difficult to obtain. Often such on campus work includes cleaning of campuses, working in cafeteria or assisting lecturers.

3     3) Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment only granted for 12 months. Students can opt for this either before completing their studies (pre-completion) or after finishing their studies (post-completion).

      4) STEM OPT Extension: This is only available for certain students who have completed their studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. They must be employed by employers who have registered in E-Verify system and is only available to a maximum period of 2 years

      5) That any sort of fraud submissions will be dealt very severely and fraud of any sort is not accepted

      6) Students must do their homework and sufficient research before they choose their study destination and must examine the post study opportunities, fee, living costs, details about the city and weather before they opt for it. All this information can be easily available on the internet.

Nishidhar Reddy

E-mail: nishiborra888@gmail.com