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What is a ‘compliance review’?

A 'compliance review' is the check that the H-1B employer is meeting immigration rules and the working conditions they promised. Learn why it is a preventive measure, not a warning sign.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 14, 2026
1 min read
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In the context of the H-1B, a ‘compliance review’ is a verification process in which authorities check whether the employer sponsoring the visa is following immigration rules and the working conditions they committed to. The goal is to protect both the worker and the integrity of the program.

During this review, immigration authorities and, in some cases, the Department of Labor may examine items such as:

  • The information declared in petitions and forms.
  • Payroll records and their consistency with the promised salary and working conditions.
  • The company’s internal procedures and practices related to sponsorship.

The purpose is to prevent fraudulent or abusive practices and to confirm that legal requirements are being met. It is worth noting that a compliance review is a preventive measure and an established practice, not an indication that something is wrong with your case.

For employers, having expert guidance helps keep internal procedures aligned with requirements. When in doubt, follow official information from USCIS and the Department of Labor.

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.

Victoria's tips

What is a ‘compliance review’?

A 'compliance review' is the check that the H-1B employer is meeting immigration rules and the working conditions they promised. Learn why it is a preventive measure, not a warning sign.

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