US Opens H-1B Visa Fraud Probe
The United States has launched a major investigation into alleged misuse of H-1B and PERM employment visa programmes, with federal officials saying IT services firm Cognizant is among the companies under scrutiny.
US Opens H-1B Visa Fraud Probe
The investigation is being led by the Office of the Inspector General under the US Department of Labor as part of a wider crackdown on alleged foreign labour fraud.
Officials said the probe will examine suspected abuse of H-1B and PERM visa processes, including fraudulent applications, coercive wage arrangements and possible displacement of American workers.
Labor Department Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito said investigators have already issued dozens of subpoenas and will follow leads received from whistleblowers.
Cognizant Among Firms Under Scrutiny
D’Esposito named Cognizant while referring to companies that had come up in whistleblower complaints related to H-1B and PERM visa issues.
However, officials have not announced any formal charges against Cognizant, and the company has not been found guilty of wrongdoing in connection with the investigation.
The H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations, while the PERM process is used by employers seeking labour certification for permanent residency sponsorship.
Visa Abuse Crackdown Intensifies
The action is being taken under a federal fraud task force led by Vice President JD Vance. US officials said the investigation will focus on employers and labour brokers accused of exploiting foreign workers and undercutting domestic wage standards.
The development is likely to be closely watched in India because Indian professionals form a major share of H-1B visa holders in the United States.
The probe could increase compliance pressure on technology and services firms that rely heavily on employment-based visa programmes.
