APEX IT SYSTEMS, INC Faces Allegations of OPT Fraud

APEX IT SYSTEMS, INC, located in Middletown, DE, is currently under investigation for suspected fraudulent practices. The company has been charging international students $200 for employment letters during their OPT (Optional Practical Training) period, which many Indian students relied on to secure STEM OPT extensions and H-1B visas.

However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has become aware of this fraudulent activity and is now implementing strict measures. USCIS is rejecting STEM OPT extensions and H-1B visas for individuals associated with APEX IT SYSTEMS, INC, due to doubts about the authenticity of the employment letters.

As part of this investigation, Integra Technologies was found to be providing false employment documentation.

Integra used deceptive methods to persuade mostly Indian students to pay for training in exchange for obtaining temporary employment to fulfill the requirements of F-1 OPT. Integra falsely promised our client to provide training services, networking opportunities, and internships perceived to be legitimate employment opportunities. Many F-1 students relied on Integra’s promises and received job offers from Integra.

This situation underscores the importance of maintaining honesty and following the rules in the immigration process. It also highlights the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities to obtain employment-based immigration benefits.

More Articles on Reddit：

Just received a call from a recruiter saying they recruit for all sorts of companies, but they charge a $350 fee. I’m sure it’s a scam, but has anyone else received a call from them and tried it?

He told that I have to pay $500 for 4-5 weeks training, after which they will get me client interviews.

Previous OPT fraud investigation by NBC

The widespread OPT fraud can be traced back to 2019. Among the prominent companies listed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, there’s one lesser-known entity: “Findream, LLC.” Its founder, Weiyun “Kelly” Huang, faced criminal fraud charges in federal court in Illinois.

Legal documents reveal that Findream’s purported aim was to provide fraudulent employment verifications for Chinese F-1 visa holders seeking work opportunities through the OPT program. An FBI affidavit states that Findream’s website promoted the OPT as “pretend work,” claiming that with meticulous document preparation, the submissions would appear legitimate to the U.S. government.

Following an investigation, it was found that Findream’s listed office in Chicago was merely a facade. Huang, a Chinese national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud during a change of plea hearing on December 20. She also agreed to plead guilty on behalf of Findream, LLC and Sinocontech, LLC, the co-defendants in the case.

According to the plea agreement, from 2013 to 2019, the “defendant deceitfully and fraudulently claimed” that nearly 2,700 F-1 visa holders in the United States were working for Findream or Sinocontech, and that Huang and the two companies received approximately $1.5 million from their clients, resulting in “a profit or benefit of at least around $800,000.”

Huang could receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Her sentencing is set for March 20.

SEVP officials express appreciation for scrutiny of potentially illegitimate companies, considering it a deterrent. They report a decrease in the number of F-1 visa students participating in the OPT program through both Findream, LLC and Tellon Trading.

The OPT program faces scrutiny from various angles. Over 100 colleges have joined an amicus brief opposing a lawsuit seeking to terminate the program, initiated by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers. While colleges argue that ending OPT would harm their ability to attract international students, concerns persist regarding fraud and national security risks associated with international student visa programs.