Hi, My name is John, and I am asking for my friend who received a fake I-20 from an intermediary.

Question

This intermediary helps him to apply for schools and acts as a helper, however, the intermediary doesn't deliver and also faked a I-20 and lied to my friend saying that it is a real one. My friend never used the fake I-20 for any purpose even though he did not know its legitimacy. He fears that he can get detained and he also wants partial of his money, which was paid to the intermediary solely for the purpose of applying for schools.

Dale S. Gribow · Answer

This is a question for immigration lawyers, not criminal and accident lawyers. 
 
However, All F and M students that study in the United States need a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Once you are accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, you will receive one of these two forms from your designated school official (DSO) depending on your F or M student visa status: 
  
F Students: Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status – For Academic and Language Students.” 
  
M Students: Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status – For Vocational Students.”  
  
The Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as there are a number of instances where you will need it, such as the following: 
  
Before you pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Fee, you must receive the Form I-20 from a DSO at the school you plan to attend. You will need information from the Form I-20 to pay the fee. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandatory and must be paid before you enter the United States.  
Apply for a nonimmigrant visa: The Form I-20 lists the date in which you are allowed to enter the United States. F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. Your type of student visa must match the type of I-20 you have (e.g., F-1 or M-1). 
Enter the United States: You need to have your Form I-20 on hand as you enter the country. Do not pack it away in your suitcase. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will instruct you to present your Form I-20 at the port of entry. You may arrive up to 30 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20.  
Apply for benefits: Your Form I-20 proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States. Therefore, it may be needed when you apply for the benefits available to F and M students. If you are eligible to apply for a driver’s license or a social security number, remember to bring your Form I-20 with you. 
Any questions that your friend has about the Form I-20 can be answered by the DSO at your school, or you may contact the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400 between 7 a.m.–8 p.m. EST, except on holidays.  
 
more info needed. Your friend can sue in small claims court for up to $10k.

Q: Hi, My name is John, and I am asking for my friend who received a fake I-20 from an intermediary.