'Count your days': US Labor Department ramps up H-1B fraud probe amid increased scrutiny

The US Labor Department's Office of Inspector General (DOL OIG) is intensifying its probe into H-1B visa fraud, following a rise in whistleblower complaints and public tips. In a warning posted on X, Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito threatened, "Count your days," to those involved in alleged fraudulent immigration schemes. The investigation, part of a broader effort to eliminate fraud, includes claims of fraudulent applications, wage-related kickbacks, labour brokers, and potential human trafficking.

The probe extends beyond the technology industry, with healthcare and other sectors also under scrutiny. OIG investigators have been conducting on-ground checks, examining addresses linked to companies with numerous approved H-1B petitions, some of which appeared inactive with locked doors and lights off. The investigation has led to actions against individual companies, such as the suspension of H-1B applications at Cognizant and Cloudera.

Cloudera's PERM applications were also suspended for 180 days following evidence of a recruitment process that prevented qualified US workers from applying for technology positions. The broader probe is ongoing and not yet determining the guilt or wrongdoing of the entities involved.