Does USCIS conduct surprise visits for L-1?

Yes, it can happen. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) sometimes conducts site visits, also known as inspections or ‘surprise visits’, in L-1 cases to confirm that the relationship between the companies and the business operations are genuine.

These visits are not applied systematically to every case. In general, they occur when red flags or doubts arise about information submitted during the petition process. The goal is to verify that the company’s activity matches what was declared and that the visa criteria are being met.

In practice, keeping the company well documented and consistent with what appears in the petition is the best way to get through a potential inspection without issues. Organized records about the corporate structure and the beneficiary’s role help demonstrate the accuracy of the information.

If there are any questions about procedures or any sign of irregularity, it is worth seeking guidance from an immigration professional and consulting official USCIS sources, avoiding promises of guaranteed outcomes.

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.