Can USCIS visit the branch office in an EB-1C petition to conduct an inspection?

Yes. Under the EB-1C category, USCIS has the authority to inspect the sponsoring company’s premises and confirm that the branch, subsidiary, or affiliate actually exists and operates as described in the petition. This is a way to verify that the declared structure and operations match reality.

These visits do not occur in every case, but they are a legitimate verification tool and can take place at different stages, particularly when there are questions about the effective functioning of the U.S. entity. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the information submitted, so the safest approach is to operate transparently from the start.

To be prepared for a potential inspection, it helps to keep the following in order:

• Records of the corporate structure and the relationship between the parent company and the U.S. entity.
• Evidence of actual operations, such as contracts, payroll, a physical address, and ongoing activity.
• Documents confirming the executive or managerial role stated in the petition.

Keeping documentation organized and consistent with what was petitioned reduces friction during an inspection. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth seeking specialized guidance and reviewing the official instructions on the USCIS website.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.