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Is the employer required to keep the ‘Public Access File’ up to date?

In the H-1B process, employers must keep the 'Public Access File' up to date: it demonstrates compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements and supports the company during audits. See what the file includes.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 13, 2026
1 min read
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Yes. In the H-1B visa process, the employer must keep the ‘Public Access File’ organized and current. This is a set of documents that demonstrates compliance with the requirements of the United States Department of Labor related to the hiring of foreign workers.

The file brings together records such as the job offer, compensation information, and materials that show the process followed the applicable rules. The goal is to ensure transparency and allow compliance to be verified when needed.

Keeping the file current matters because the employer may be subject to audits or inspections. Staying on top of updates reduces legal risks and protects both the company and the hired professional.

Because the obligations can involve specific details, it is worth checking the latest guidance from the official source or with a specialist to keep the documentation complete and accurate.

Learn more about H-1B

Initial validity
3 years
Extension
Up to 6 years total
Annual cap
85,000 visas
Processing
6-12 months
All about H-1B

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.

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Is the employer required to keep the ‘Public Access File’ up to date?

In the H-1B process, employers must keep the 'Public Access File' up to date: it demonstrates compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements and supports the company during audits. See what the file includes.

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