Site Visits by Immigration Officials

Anyone applying for USCIS benefits such as change of status or an EAD should be prepared for the possibility of a visit by USCIS. The purpose of these visits is to confirm the information submitted in the benefit application.

USCIS Fraud Detection Unit occasionally conducts visits to employers across the United States for the purpose of ensuring H-1B employees are engaging in approved work activities. Such a visit requires the officer to speak to the H-1B employee at their work location and review the H-1B petition with IFSS. Either the employee or IFSS can be contacted first. Occasionally, the officer will contact the employing department indicated on the petition filed by the university. These visits should not be a cause for alarm, as they are generally routine and selected at random.

SEVP administers the F-1/J-1 programs and employs field representatives who serve as liaisons between SEVP and certified schools. Regional field representatives visit the university regularly to meet with ISS/IFSS staff. These visits are routine and typically serve as an opportunity for the field representative to share news and updates from SEVP.

DHS conducts site visits to employers who hire F-1 international students in Optional Practical Training (OPT) for the purpose of investigating the nature of the training. OPT is meant to provide students training in their field of study. Generally, employers should receive a 48-hour advance notice prior to any site visit. Questions are most often about the nature of the employment and adherence to the I-983 training plan, if applicable. The DHS website has more information about what to expect from a OPT SEVP Audit.