International students on F-1 visas (including OPT and STEM OPT) and professionals on H-1B visas in the US should prepare for unannounced site visits by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These visits are part of efforts to ensure compliance with immigration laws and to prevent fraud.
Why the Visits?
- Conducted under the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS).
- Part of the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP) launched in 2009.
- Expanded with the Targeted Site Visit and Verification Program (TSVVP) in 2017.
- Designed to verify petition details, check compliance, and detect fraud.
What to Expect?
- Officers may review records, documents, and public databases.
- They can interview employers, school officials, or even the student/worker directly.
- Importantly, site visits are not limited to workplaces; officers may knock on doors at student housing or residences to confirm enrollment and compliance.
- A Compliance Review Report is filed, which can affect whether a petition is approved, denied, or revoked.
Who is Impacted?
- H-1B professionals and F-1 students, including those on OPT and STEM OPT extensions.
- New DHS rules effective January 17, 2025 also extend checks to other visa categories such as H-2, H-3, L-1, and O.
Non-cooperation or refusal during a site visit may lead to immediate denial or cancellation of the visa petition.
Facing the challenges of visas, OPT, and compliance can feel overwhelming. On GD Connect, students and alumni share real experiences of handling site visits, paperwork, and life abroad. Join the community to stay prepared and informed.
Source: Financial Express