An Indian worker’s H-1B journey ended in shock, not rejection. You are looking at a case where the sponsoring employer vanished after filing the petition. This episode has reignited concerns about how fraudsters exploit vulnerable Indian workers in the US.
Employer disappears after lottery win
The worker got selected in the April 2025 H-1B lottery. The US employer filed the petition in July. By December, the company was sold and dissolved, wiping out the petition with no legal entity left to pursue it.
Petition dies without approval
The H-1B petition never received approval. Once the business shut down, there was no sponsor to move the case forward. You are left stranded when your status depends entirely on an employer that no longer exists.
Illegal fee deductions revealed
The fraud deepened when the worker shared details of salary deductions. Since April, the company took over $10,000 for H-1B processing and visa fees. By law, the sponsor must pay these costs, not you.
Silence driven by fear
The fees fall under rules enforced by the Department of Labor and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The worker stayed silent due to a weak job market and fear of losing both job and visa.
Reporting feels risky
You may think reporting the employer is the right step. There is no assurance it will help someone already searching for a new sponsor. Many fear scrutiny for working with a fraudulent company and possible deportation.
Workers trapped in a broken system
This is a double edged situation. You feel stuck but hesitate to speak up, worried that blame will fall on you. As fear rises, scammers step in and target those desperate to stay employed.
Act early and stay alert
You should not ignore warning signs while chasing an H-1B visa. Report suspicious behaviour early. Waiting too long only strengthens those who profit from your vulnerability.
