Archive · 26 Sep 2025
US Authorities Conduct Unannounced Site Visits for Visa Compliance
Imagine you have a student visa (F-1) or a work visa (H-1B) to stay in the US.
The government wants to make sure you're following the rules.
Officials from the US government might show up at your school or job without warning.
They'll check your records and talk to people.
They want to make sure everything you said on your visa application is correct and that you're doing what you're supposed to be doing.
If you don't cooperate or they find something wrong, your visa could be taken away.
This is a way for the government to prevent fraud and ensure everyone is playing by the rules.
US authorities may conduct unannounced site visits for H-1B and F-1 visa holders.
The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) carries out these visits.
Visits aim to verify compliance with US immigration laws.
Non-cooperation with a site visit can lead to denial or revocation of petitions.
New regulations were finalized in December 2024, effective January 17, 2025.
- Who
- USCIS, specifically the FDNS, and affected visa holders.
- What
- Unannounced site visits to verify compliance with immigration laws.
- When
- Visits have been conducted since 2009, with a recent rule change effective January 17, 2025.
- Where
- At the worksites or locations associated with H-1B and F-1 visa holders.
- Why
- To ensure visa holders and their employers are following US immigration regulations.
- Focus
- H-1B and F-1 visa holders
- Agency Conducting Visits
- USCIS's Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS)
- Purpose of Visits
- Verify compliance with US immigration laws
- Visit Scope
- Review records, public records, interviews, and site visits
- Consequence of Non-Cooperation
- Denial or revocation of petition approval
- Program Name
- Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP)
- Recent Update
- DHS issued a final rule in December 2024, effective January 17, 2025