Student charged for submitting fake documents at US Embassy

June 27, 2019

One student recently was arrested and charged with two counts of forgery and two counts of uttering false documents after the student tried to submit fake transcripts to the US Embassy, wanting to acquire a work visa for the yearly Summer Work and Travel programme.

The student faces a fine of $200,000 or nine months in prison.

In a statement, the University of The West Indies (UWI), Mona, said more than 20 other students could face lifetime ineligibility for US visas for submitting altered documents.

"The UWI, Mona, has received increasing reports of students submitting fraudulent transcripts to the US Embassy in an attempt to obtain J-1 visa for the Summer Work/Travel Programme," the statement said.

The UWI, Mona, also said that the US Embassy had advised it that while some leniency had initially been exercised, "all confirmed cases involving the submission of fake documents will be referred to the police".

The UWI reminded students that falsifying university documents is considered misconduct under the code of Principles and Responsibilities for students and could result in them being expelled.

"While we understand the financial plight our students face and their desire to gain acceptance to the work/travel programme, we urge students to examine the serious long-term implications of their actions and make smart decisions about their future," the statement said.

The university also noted that altering and falsifying documents "have criminal implications which will undoubtedly negatively impact future studies and employment prospects".

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