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Since 2007, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has verified the details of many visa applicants through the Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) database, maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As part of an attempt to better verify its data, DHS has initiated a pilot program for verifying information relating to employees sponsored for non-immigrant visas, principally employees in E, H, L and O status, by contacting employers by telephone. These checks will be performed at random and will be unannounced. Employers should expect that they may be contacted by telephone shortly after an immigration-related petition has been approved, particularly if the employee will be traveling abroad to obtain a visa. A number of contractors have been authorized to conduct these telephonic interviews with employers. They may request to speak to an authorized official, and will then ask a series of questions confirming the validity of the information contained in the petition filed by the employer. Employers should request the name of the contractor and confirm their credentials prior to providing any information. These telephone interviews are similar to the USCIS "site visits" discussed in previous Vedder Price Alerts. We strongly recommend that employers not speak to government agents or contacts without an attorney or witness present. Please contact your attorney in the event that you are contacted by USCIS for a telephonic interview.
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