An H-1B employee in Ohio has found themselves in a shocking situation. After being laid off at the end of their probation period, their employer a local hospital has sent them an $800 invoice demanding payment for visa and documentation fees.
Employer Demands Visa Processing Costs
The hospital, which did not retain the employee after probation, is demanding payment for visa-related expenses and internal background review fees.
These include the cost of reviewing supporting documents and preparing the official H-1B visa petition.
Initially, the employee assumed the invoice was a system error. However, the HR department later confirmed that it was intentional and demanded full payment.
Experts Call the Demand Illegal
Immigration and labour law experts have described the demand as completely illegal.
Under US Department of Labour (DOL) regulations, all H-1B filing and processing fees must be paid by the employer, not the employee.
Raising an invoice for these expenses amounts to a wage theft violation and is considered a serious offence under federal law.
Employee Advised to Report the Violation
The affected employee has been advised to report the hospital to the DOL for unlawful recovery of visa-related costs.
Other H-1B professionals online have expressed shock over the incident and urged the employee to consult an immigration attorney immediately.
Broader Concerns Over Employer Accountability
This case highlights the vulnerability of foreign professionals in the US labour system.
Despite strict federal rules, some employers continue to exploit H-1B workers through unethical demands and intimidation tactics.
Experts say stronger enforcement and awareness are needed to ensure that such practices are curbed and that foreign employees are protected from exploitation.
