Investigation Playbook

Complete guide for on-site H1B employer verification

Start Investigation

Before You Begin

This playbook guides you through documenting potential H1B visa fraud. Your investigation helps protect workers and ensures compliance with immigration law.

⚠️ Important Safety Notes

  • • Always visit during business hours
  • • Bring a friend if possible
  • • Be respectful and professional
  • • Leave if you feel unsafe
  • • Do not trespass on private property
  • • Follow all local laws and regulations

Investigation Checklist

📸Photo Documentation

Building Exterior

Capture the full building, address numbers, and any signage

Building Directory

Photo of lobby directory showing all tenants and suite numbers

Office Door/Suite

Door signage, suite number, and any company names visible

Parking Lot (Optional)

General view showing activity level, no license plates

💬On-Site Inquiries

Ask for IT Support

"Hi, I'm having computer issues. Do you have IT support available?"

Note: Real IT companies should have on-site support or clear referral process

Inquire About Employment

"I saw you're hiring. Can I speak with someone about job opportunities?"

Note: Legitimate employers should have HR contact or application process

Request Business Card

Ask receptionist or any employee for a business card

Note: Photo the card and upload as evidence

Ask About Company Services

"What services does your company provide?"

Note: Record their response - should match LCA job descriptions

👁️Key Observations

Office Activity Level

Note: Number of employees visible, workstations, equipment

Company Signage

Note: Professional signage vs. temporary/missing signs

Reception Area

Note: Professional reception vs. empty/residential appearance

Multiple Companies at Address

Note: How many companies listed at same suite/address

📋Additional Documentation

Record Audio Notes

Verbal observations, timestamps, and impressions (with consent if recording others)

Collect Marketing Materials

Brochures, flyers, or any company literature available

Note Contact Information

Phone numbers, email addresses, website URLs visible on-site

Document Date & Time

Record exact date, time, and weather conditions of visit

🚩 Common Red Flags

Physical Location

  • • No company signage visible
  • • Residential address used as business
  • • Virtual office/mail drop location
  • • Multiple companies at same suite
  • • Office appears vacant or closed

Business Operations

  • • No employees present during business hours
  • • Cannot provide basic company information
  • • No IT equipment for "IT consulting" firm
  • • Refuses to provide business cards
  • • Evasive about services offered

📝 Filing an LCA Challenge

If you find evidence of fraud, you can file a formal Labor Condition Application (LCA) challenge with the Department of Labor. Our platform helps you prepare and submit this documentation.

What You'll Need:

  • • Photos and documentation from your investigation
  • • Employer name and address
  • • Your contact information (email)
  • • Description of fraud indicators observed
  • • Any supporting documents collected
File LCA Challenge

⚖️ Legal Considerations

Photography: You may photograph buildings, signage, and directories from public areas. Do not photograph people without consent or enter private property without permission.

Recording: Audio recording laws vary by state. In "two-party consent" states, you must inform others before recording conversations. Check your local laws.

Trespassing: Only visit areas open to the public. Do not enter restricted areas or ignore "No Trespassing" signs.

Harassment: Be professional and respectful. Do not harass employees or repeatedly visit the same location.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney if you have questions about your rights.

✅ After Your Investigation

  1. 1.
    Upload Your Evidence

    Submit photos, documents, and notes through our platform

  2. 2.
    Review Your Submission

    Verify all information is accurate before submitting

  3. 3.
    Track the Investigation

    Your submission becomes part of the public record and timeline

  4. 4.
    Consider Filing LCA Challenge

    If evidence is strong, file formal complaint with DOL