At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we are proud to share another powerful success story. Through careful legal analysis and unwavering advocacy, our firm helped a client overcome a wrongful N-400 denial based on alleged misrepresentation tied to her past attendance at Walter Jay M.D. Institute, one of the schools later associated with the “Pay-to-Stay” visa fraud network. After a long and difficult journey, our client ultimately obtained her U.S. citizenship through a successful N-336 hearing.
More than a decade ago, our client came to the United States as an international student to study English in Los Angeles. During those years, she built her life here — studying, working hard, and eventually marrying a U.S. citizen. Through that marriage, she successfully adjusted her status and became a lawful permanent resident in 2017. By 2020, USCIS had removed the conditions on her green card.
In 2022, she applied for naturalization (Form N-400) and attended her interview later that year. That interview, however, left a lasting impression — the interviewing officer was cold and dismissive, cutting her off when she attempted to clarify her answers. At the end of the interview, she was asked to sign a written summary of the questions and answers, but many details were inaccurate, and she had almost no opportunity to make corrections.
Then, in February 2025, she received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). USCIS alleged that because she had once attended Walter Jay M.D. Institute, a school later linked to the “Prodee Network” and “Pay-to-Stay” visa fraud investigation, she may not have been a bona fide student while on her F-1 visa. Based on this assumption, USCIS further claimed her green card had not been lawfully obtained and accused her of fraud or willful misrepresentation under INA §212(a)(6)(C)(i).
Refusing to give up, the client turned to the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, P.C. for help. After reviewing the case in detail, our team immediately identified significant factual and legal errors in USCIS’s decision. We filed a Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Form N-336) to challenge the denial.
Our filing included a detailed legal brief, as well as documentary evidence demonstrating the client’s genuine attendance, academic progress, and compliance with F-1 visa regulations. We emphasized that mere attendance at a later-implicated institution does not equate to fraud, especially when the student had no knowledge of the school’s administrative misconduct.
When the hearing was scheduled in August 2025, our team thoroughly prepared the client for every step of the process, and Attorney Sabrina Li personally accompanied her to the hearing. During the proceeding, the client seized the opportunity to clearly explain that she had lawfully maintained her student status, never made any false statements, and had built her life in the United States with integrity and good moral character.
Following the hearing, our firm submitted additional supporting documentation to further strengthen the record, reinforce her credibility, and systematically refute each allegation made in the prior denial.
Only six weeks after the hearing, in September 2025, our client received the long-awaited notice to attend her naturalization oath ceremony. Her three-year, seven-month naturalization journey had finally reached a successful conclusion.
What once began as an unjust accusation of “Pay-to-Stay” fraud ended as a story of vindication, resilience, and justice. Today, our client proudly holds U.S. citizenship, continuing to contribute to her community as she always had.
Allegations related to “Pay-to-Stay” schools, visa fraud, or misrepresentation can have devastating consequences—jeopardizing not only naturalization but also permanent resident status. Yet, with the right legal team, these cases can be successfully resolved.At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we are dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights, reputations, and futures. Our attorneys meticulously review every detail, challenge unsupported findings, and present compelling evidence to ensure that our clients are judged on facts—not assumptions.
If you or someone you know has received an N-400 denial or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) involving allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, or “Pay-to-Stay” issues, contact our firm today. We have the expertise and proven track record to build a strong N-336 hearing strategy and restore your rightful path to U.S. citizenship.
Our attorneys possess diverse immigration experience and have an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between various immigration laws, policies, and regulations, ensuring accurate and comprehensive guidance. We offer a full range of immigration services, addressing all aspects of your case while identifying potential opportunities and challenges.
We provide a tailored approach to each client's case, ensuring that you receive individualized attention and a customized strategy for your unique situation. We adjust our strategy as your needs or circumstances change, guaranteeing a seamless transition between different phases of your immigration journey.
Our team is composed of immigrant and first-generation American professionals, along with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Many of us have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced during the immigration process. This allows us to provide guidance and advocacy rooted in authentic understanding.
