Re-entry concerns after having earned money working on F-1
Hello, I’d like to ask about re-entry eligibility. I currently hold F-1 student status, and I have about 2 years left on my visa/I-20. The problem is I worked unlawfully and have been depositing cash into my bank account fairly consistently for about a year. Some months I split deposits, other months I deposited around $2,000 at once — I’ve been depositing roughly $2,000 a month consistently for about a year. I’m planning to return to Korea this summer break, and I’m very worried since I’ve heard entry screening has gotten stricter and enforcement against international students’ unauthorized employment has increased.
I’m worried whether they check bank records in the secondary room, and how exactly international students who get caught for unauthorized employment and denied entry get discovered in the inspection process. If I’m worried, it would be better not to leave, but my grandmother is currently critically ill and I really want to go to Korea. I’d like to know if there’s any way at all. Please help. Thank you.
Hello. Since this is already in the past, there’s nothing in particular we can guarantee.
We don’t think this kind of thing would necessarily be immediately discovered upon entry.
Please keep this in mind.