What is a “consulting body shop” in H-1B?

In the context of the H-1B, “consulting body shop” is the informal nickname for consulting firms that hire professionals, often under this visa, and place them to provide specialized services on other companies’ projects. Rather than integrating the professional into their own operations, the firm makes them available to external clients, in a model known as body shopping.

The role of these firms ranges from short-term placements to long-duration projects, depending on market demand. The model itself is legal and common in technology fields, but tends to draw heightened scrutiny from authorities because it involves work at third-party sites and requires clear traceability of the duties performed.

In practice, even as a consulting firm, the employer must demonstrate that genuine specialized work exists and that a real employment relationship is maintained throughout the duration of the visa, including periods between projects. For this reason, professionals should carefully evaluate the reputation and stability of the company before accepting an offer.

• It is a consulting firm that places the professional on client projects.
• The model is legal, but attracts scrutiny because of third-party work arrangements.
• The employer must demonstrate specialized work and a genuine employment relationship throughout the visa.

If you are considering such an opportunity, verify the company’s credibility and confirm current conditions with an immigration specialist before signing.

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.