ILBSG published the yearly H-1B visa filing guide. The new guide records any changes to the H-1B filing process. Though changes to the H1B process are very minimal, increased government scrutiny towards the H-1B program remains. We urge employers and employees to remain vigilant and knowledgeable regarding the H1B program changes, as the government can implement said changes with little prior notice.
Changes
The most recent effect on the H-1B visa program is Project Firewall. In September 2025, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor (DOL) announced Project Firewall. Project Firewall is an enforcement initiative safegaurding the rights and job opportunities for highly skilled U.S. workers and maximize H-1B visa program compliance. To ensure H-1B visa program compliance, DOL is prioritizing investigations to find evidence of signs of displacements, inadequate recruitment of U.S. workers, and misuse/fraud of the H-1B program. The initiative enables DOL to open proactive H-1B investigations (without needing complaints), and direct attention to LCA compliance, verifying job duties/job title/wage level compliance, and offsite placements for H-1B workers.
Site Visits
There are different formats to investigations/site visits. Officers are conducting in-person investigations at the H-1B employee’s client site and/or petitioner’s client site and contacting all parties in H-1B filings through emails requesting H-1B related information. Serious consequences could be faced if evidence of non-compliance of the H-1B visa program is found. Such consequences could be civil fines, debarment from the H-1B program, revocation of H-1B visa, and more.
ILBSG works with petitioners and H-1B employees to ensure H-1B program compliance and assists with the various site visits and investigations that are being conducted.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.