Checklist to Keep You Prepared for a USCIS Site Visit

Companies that employ foreign nationals should be prepared for unannounced worksite visits by U.S. immigration authorities. These inspections are carried out under the authority of two key programs run by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

The first, the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP), launched in 2009, was designed to verify information provided in certain immigration petitions. The second program, the Targeted Site Visit and Verification Program (PSVVP), was introduced in 2017 to expand USCIS’s oversight capabilities. Unlike ASVVP, TSVVP employs a more data-driven strategy to identify petitions that warrant closer scrutiny.  

Site visits under TSVVP are typically conducted by officers from the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) directorate. These agents often arrive without warning to collect information, interview staff and assess whether an employer is complying with the terms and conditions of sponsored employment. 

Over the past year, site inspections have become increasingly sophisticated, driven in large part by recent policy changes that broaden USCIS’s oversight capabilities. 

The H-1B Modernization Rule: A Growing Compliance Priority 

The H-1B site visit process underwent a major transformation following the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) finalization of the H-1B Modernization Rule in January 2025. The updated rule expands USCIS’s reach, allowing the agency to conduct more detailed compliance checks, including unannounced site inspections. Other changes include: 

• Work Location Oversight: Employers must document all job locations, including remote and hybrid setups. FDNS may inspect multiple worksites and third-party clients for consistency. 
• Role Verification: Officers focus on confirming job duties and qualifications, sometimes validating details directly with end-clients. 
• Fraud Detection: Advanced analytics help FDNS identify inconsistencies, backed by increased resources and stricter penalties for misrepresentation. 
• Wage Transparency: Employers must clearly substantiate wage determinations and pay structures to ensure compliance with prevailing wage standards. 

Site Visits Under the Trump Administration  

Alongside the H-1B Modernization Rule, the federal government’s focus on immigration compliance ramped up notably during the initial months of the second Trump administration, evidenced by over 2,200 worksite inspections conducted within the administration’s first 100 days. 

The bottom line: unannounced worksite inspections have evolved from occasional oversight measures to a standard component of USCIS’s compliance enforcement strategy. For employers of foreign nationals, this shift means one thing: preparedness is not just smart policy; it’s a necessary obligation in today’s regulatory environment. 

Read on to explore key insights from Envoy Global and learn how your organization can stay ready and resilient. 

Preparing for an Immigration Enforcement Visit  

Preparing for a site visit should begin well before an officer arrives on-site. Proactive compliance planning lays the foundation for a smooth and successful inspection. 

During a typical visit, immigration officers focus on verifying key details submitted in the petitions, such as salary, job responsibilities, work location and the physical workspace. They may also: 

• Request to review all I-9 documentation for employees across the company 
• Confirm that the petitioning organization is a legitimate, functioning entity 
• Review public records and company information 
• Conduct interviews with both the petitioner and the sponsored employee 
• Photograph the worksite and review on-site documentation 

Because these checks are often unannounced, it’s essential for employers to maintain organized records, ensure internal coordination and uphold transparent documentation practices. These measures not only reduce operational disruption but also demonstrate a clear commitment to compliance. 

Want to learn more about Form I-9 requirements during a site visit? Click here for additional insights.

On the Day of the USCIS Site Visit  

As previously noted, USCIS has expanded the authority of its FDNS directorate to conduct worksite inspections across a broader range of settings. These now include not only traditional office environments, but also remote work locations, hybrid arrangements and third-party client sites.  

Much like other types of immigration compliance checks, these site visits are often unannounced. FDNS officers may arrive at a worksite as part of a random selection process or in response to information or complaints received from the public. 

Given the potential for surprise visits, it is essential for organizations to have a well-defined response plan in place. Front-desk personnel, receptionists and administrative staff should be trained and empowered to respond appropriately, as they are likely to be the first point of contact when officers arrive. 

Below are key steps to follow during an FDNS site visit: 

1. Politely greet the officer 

Site visits can be nerve-wracking, but staying calm and having a plan in place can help ensure that the visit goes smoothly. 

2. Confirm the Officer’s Identity  

Be sure that the receptionist or receiving personnel knows to ask for the FDNS officer’s ID and business card to confirm validity. The number on the business card can be used to confirm the officer’s identity should anyone have concerns.

3. Know Which Member of Your Staff to Contact  

Staff should be clearly informed about the appropriate point of contact in the event of a site visit. Since immigration responsibilities can vary by organization, it’s important that all team members understand the internal reporting structure. Having this clarity helps prevent delays or confusion when responding to visiting officers.

4. Contact Your Immigration Attorney  

As soon as a site visit begins, notify your immigration counsel. While officers typically won’t delay the inspection to allow your attorney to be physically present, they may permit participation by phone or allow you to jot down questions for your attorney before responding. 

The designated HR representative or another authorized employee with access to immigration records should coordinate directly with legal counsel. Avoid discussing I-9s or other immigration procedures without attorney guidance, as any statements made during the visit could be used against the organization in the event of a compliance issue. 

Each worksite should follow a consistent protocol to ensure compliance. It’s essential to have a designated contact person and a backup in case the primary contact is unavailable. 

5. Take Notes During the Visit  

Companies should keep a detailed record of the site visit, including the officer’s name, title and contact information. The company should also be sure to include the petitions reviewed, the date of the visit and any follow-up communications for your company’s records. 

Write down the questions asked and the cadence of the visit to inform your attorney about what to expect from future visits. Be sure to take detailed notes, especially when an officer: 

• Takes photographs 
• Requests specific documents 
• Interviews personnel 

Additionally, pass all your records on to your immigration counsel, who then can be prepared for the entire compliance audit.  

A Better Way to Manage Your Global Immigration Program  

 The only constant in immigration is the always-changing landscape. During times of uncertainty, employers should work with an immigration service provider that brings together smart, friendly legal teams and smart, friendly technology to make immigration easier for companies and the global talent they depend on.  

Envoy Global offers comprehensive services for global corporate immigration management, which include educational resources, webinars and town halls. During times of uncertainty, our team is ready to provide guidance, insights and support for everyone involved in immigration.  

Envoy Global provides a better way to manage global immigration. Reach out to us today to learn more.