Unauthorized Work and I-20 Termination

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SJ281708

Registered Users (C)
I received an email that my I-20 will be cancelled in two weeks because I am doing an unpaid internship as part of my master's degree (enrolled in an internship course) Before starting to work, I turned in all CPT paperwork and made sure they received everything, which they said they did. They also said that my professor will turn in a one-page document listing my internship duties and responsibilities, which, he never did apparently.

I swear to God I didn't know I couldn't intern as part of my coursework. I did not get paid. I did not get a warning. Nothing. Just like that, my status will be turned off.

What can I do? Am I getting deported for something I didn't do? I can't even get reinstated because I worked without authorization, when in fact it was required for my degree to graduate and I did not get paid. I have a 3.97 GPA at the masters level and I am graduating in 1.5 months. Now I cannot! Can the school officials just forgive me if I tell them the story?

Can I travel to canada with a new I-20 and try to re-enter the US? I have a valid visa (till 2014). Please tell me. I can't sleep tonight.

Thanks,
 
SJ281708 said:
I received an email that my I-20 will be cancelled in two weeks because I am doing an unpaid internship as part of my master's degree (enrolled in an internship course) Before starting to work, I turned in all CPT paperwork and made sure they received everything, which they said they did. They also said that my professor will turn in a one-page document listing my internship duties and responsibilities, which, he never did apparently.
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Sorry to hear that :( When you say "they received everything" are you talking about your school's international office? It's not enough to receive, they should have also printed you a CPT I-20. Probably since your professor didn't do his/her part, they never issued it.

SJ281708 said:
I swear to God I didn't know I couldn't intern as part of my coursework. I did not get paid. I did not get a warning. Nothing. Just like that, my status will be turned off.

What can I do? Am I getting deported for something I didn't do? I can't even get reinstated because I worked without authorization, when in fact it was required for my degree to graduate and I did not get paid. I have a 3.97 GPA at the masters level and I am graduating in 1.5 months. Now I cannot! Can the school officials just forgive me if I tell them the story?

Can I travel to canada with a new I-20 and try to re-enter the US? I have a valid visa (till 2014). Please tell me. I can't sleep tonight.

Thanks,
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You definitely need to go to your DSO in int'l office and explain them your story. If they are not willing to help, start looking for a lawyer. Do not think about traveling yet, just talk to them first.
 
aos13 said:
Sorry to hear that :( When you say "they received everything" are you talking about your school's international office? It's not enough to receive, they should have also printed you a CPT I-20. Probably since your professor didn't do his/her part, they never issued it.


You definitely need to go to your DSO in int'l office and explain them your story. If they are not willing to help, start looking for a lawyer. Do not think about traveling yet, just talk to them first.
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Thanks for your reply :) Yes, I mean my International office, and even thought I sent everything, I asked them if anything is required. And they said just my professor's part. I even email/called my professor to have him send it to them ASAP.

I did go to my DSO but no help. My I-20 will be cancelled on April 9th. I talked to a senior immigration advisor at another huge University, and she said that they would NEVER cancel the SEVIS for this. They would at least give the students a chance, especially given my circumstances.

I got an immigration lawyer on my side, and I'm not thinking of travelling right now. Is there anything I can do additionally?

My lawyer will ideally show that at other schools, there are options to work around it. I think my case is strong because since December I have been contacting my advisors for help on the CPT matter and they didn't respond OVER AND OVER. So I have all the email copies where they never gave me direct answers/warnings. As advisors they were supposed to ADVISE me, which they didn't, so I feel my lawyer can press for unlawful termination of SEVIS.
 
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