Washington, USA: For many, securing an H1B visa feels like the toughest step toward building a career in the U.S. Yet, for one contractor working at a top automotive company, the struggle has only just begun, months after visa approval.

The contractor, holding a valid H1B since September 2023, was recently blindsided by a surprise visit from a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer conducting a routine field verification at the worksite. While these visits usually conclude smoothly, this time it triggered a troubling development.

A few weeks following the visit, USCIS issued the contractor an "Intent to Revoke" notice, highlighting inconsistencies between the candidate’s reported work history and the job’s stated requirements. During the officer’s inquiry, a human resources representative from the client company mentioned that the position demanded "5 years of experience," a qualification that was not included in the initial visa application.

The contractor’s attorneys and the staffing agency argue that the HR representative misinterpreted the hiring criteria and the qualifications actually documented. They are now working against a June 9 deadline to provide proof of the candidate’s eligibility, which includes 4.5 years of international work experience, a U.S.-based master’s degree, and one year of previous employment in the U.S.

This case underscores the fragile nature of visa status, where a single offhand remark during an inspection can jeopardize years of effort. Despite contributing significantly to the economy, many visa holders face ongoing uncertainty, dependent on interpretation and timely legal responses.

The contractor and legal team remain hopeful that clear documentation and facts will outweigh casual comments, emphasizing the need for vigilance even after the initial visa hurdles are cleared.