What is ‘third-party placement’ in H-1B?

The ‘third-party placement’ arrangement is one in which an H-1B professional is employed by a U.S. company that sponsors the visa, but performs services at the premises of a third company that is not their direct employer. This creates a chain involving the sponsor, the professional, and the end client.

In practice, this model is common in sectors such as technology and consulting, where projects require placing the professional in different work environments. The key concern is that USCIS carefully examines whether the sponsoring company maintains effective control over working conditions and fulfills its obligations, even when services are rendered at a third party’s location.

• The employment relationship is with the sponsor, not with the end client.
• The sponsor remains responsible for the compliance of the arrangement.
• A lack of clear supervision or adequate conditions can affect the visa status.

The arrangement can be legitimate when all rules are followed and properly documented. If there is any doubt about the structure, it is advisable to confirm current requirements with USCIS and seek guidance from an immigration specialist.

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.