USCIS Site Visits for H-1B Employers
As part of the compliance review process and to investigate potential fraud in the H-1B Temporary Worker Visa Program, USCIS conducts random unannounced site visits to verify information in certain visa petitions. USCIS randomly selects sites to visit after the petition is adjudicated. The purpose of the visit is to ensure that the employers and beneficiaries are following the terms and conditions stated in the approved H-1B petition. USCIS does not require participation in site visits, but they do encourage employer cooperation.
Note: It is important to always be prepared for a potential site visit by maintaining compliance with the most recent H-1B petition submitted on behalf of H-1B Beneficiaries. Keep all related documents available.
Who Is Subject to a Site visit
According to USCIS, the following petition types may be randomly selected for compliance review site visits:
- H-1B nonimmigrant temporary visas (all UToledo H-1B employees);
- L-1 nonimmigrant visas;
- EB-5 visas; and
- Religious workers.
What to Expect
At the site visit, the officer will do the following:
- "Verify the information, including supporting documents, submitted with the petition;
- "Verify that the petitioning organization exists;
- "Review public records and information on the petitioning organization;
- "Conduct unannounced site visits to where the beneficiary works;
- "Take photographs;
- "Review documents;
- "Interview personnel to confirm the beneficiary’s work location, physical workspace, hours, salary and duties; and
- "Speak with the beneficiary."--(from USCIS Site Visit page)
Guidelines and Tips
- Be sure to confirm that the identity of the DHS officer. Ask for their identification.
- Contact Maryam Sediqe (419-530-4229) in the OISSS office.
- Ask the officer for more time so you can contact OISSS to provide further information, especially if you are unsure of the answer.