What triggers a site visit, what FDNS officers look for, how to prepare your workplace, and Level 3/4 wage justification documentation
USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) site visits have increased significantly in 2026, with particular focus on wage level accuracy under the new wage-weighted lottery system. With higher wage levels giving dramatically better lottery odds (Level 4: 62% vs Level 1: 15%), USCIS is scrutinizing whether the claimed wage level genuinely reflects the position's requirements and the actual workplace conditions.
Quick Answer: USCIS FDNS site visits are unannounced inspections where officers verify H-1B working conditions match the petition. In 2026, they are specifically checking whether wage levels are inflated to game the wage-weighted lottery. They interview the beneficiary AND supervisor, verify the worksite, and examine job duties. Non-compliance can result in petition revocation.
| Company | H-1B Filings | Site Visit Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 55,150 | Low — established company |
| IT Consulting Firms | Varies | High — third-party placement scrutiny |
| Small Startups (<25 employees) | Varies | Moderate-High — less established |
| 33,416 | Low — established company | |
| Microsoft | 34,626 | Low — established company |
| Infosys | 32,840 | Moderate — client-site placement |
| Tata Consultancy | 28,950 | Moderate — client-site placement |
| New Companies (<1yr) | Varies | High — limited filing history |
The wage-weighted H-1B lottery created a perverse incentive: employers and applicants have a strong motive to inflate wage levels for better lottery odds. A position that genuinely requires Level 2 skills might be filed at Level 3 to jump from 31% to 46% selection odds. USCIS recognized this immediately and has directed FDNS to conduct targeted site visits focused on wage level verification. Reports from immigration attorneys suggest a 40-60% increase in site visits for FY2027 petitions compared to FY2026.
FDNS officers conduct unannounced visits — they show up without appointment. They typically speak with: (1) the H-1B beneficiary about their actual job duties, reporting structure, and daily work, (2) the direct supervisor about the position's requirements and the beneficiary's role, (3) HR or the company's designated point of contact about company operations and immigration compliance. Officers compare responses against the LCA and I-129 petition to identify discrepancies.
Key areas of 2026 wage level scrutiny: Is the salary genuinely at the claimed wage level for the MSA and SOC code? Do the actual job duties match the claimed specialty occupation level? Is the employee physically working at the LCA-certified worksite? For third-party placements, is there a valid end-client letter and does the work match? If the position was filed at Level 3 or 4, does the role genuinely require that level of experience and independent judgment, or was the level inflated for lottery advantage?
Search Wisa to verify your employer's wage levels and filing patterns before a potential site visit.
Search Employer Filings →Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Technically, the visit is voluntary and you can refuse entry. However, refusing a site visit virtually guarantees an adverse finding and likely petition revocation. USCIS interprets refusal as an indication of fraud or non-compliance. Always cooperate with FDNS officers — they are not ICE enforcement agents. Answer questions truthfully about your actual job duties and working conditions.
Be honest and specific. Describe your actual daily work, not what the petition says. If your actual duties match the petition, this is straightforward. If there are discrepancies (e.g., you were hired for one role but are currently doing different work due to reorganization), explain the situation honestly. Lying to a federal officer is a serious offense — honesty about legitimate changes is always better than misrepresentation.
Yes, this is exactly what FDNS is looking for in 2026. If a site visit reveals that your actual duties correspond to a lower wage level than claimed, it can result in a Request for Evidence (RFE), Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR), or outright revocation. If you believe your wage level was inflated, discuss this with your immigration attorney proactively — it may be possible to amend the petition.
Employers should: (1) ensure all H-1B employees are physically working at the LCA-certified worksite, (2) maintain updated public access files with LCA documentation, (3) brief supervisors on how to describe H-1B employees' roles accurately, (4) have organizational charts showing reporting structure, (5) ensure job duties match what was filed in the I-129 petition, and (6) designate a point person to respond to FDNS inquiries.