H1B Verification eMails from U.S. Embassy in New Delhi

A number of inquiries have come into the Murthy Law Firm from individuals who have received eMail communications from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. These eMails asked for confirmation of information provided in connection with past H1B visa interviews, regarding employment verification and other matters on the visa application. Questions have arisen as to whether these eMails are genuine.

Our preliminary research into this matter confirms that the eMails that we have reviewed have been verified as being sent from the Embassy.

eMail Seeks Verification of H1B Employment Status

The eMails in question basically are worded as follows: “I am an intern in the Consular Section at the American Embassy in New Delhi. I am currently following up on your visa status. In your interview, you stated that you were working with (company) as a (position). Are you still maintaining this position? Please respond as soon as possible.”

The originating eMail address is the intern’s: last name first initial@state.gov. This is the correct format for eMail addresses at the U.S. Department of State (DOS). It should be noted that, after some research by the Murthy Law Firm and a review of the DOS job postings, there were openings reflected for unpaid summer interns at particular U.S. consulates worldwide. These are characterized as random projects, usually assigned to summer interns.

DOS Confirms eMail as Genuine

We at the Murthy Law Firm communicated with the Visa Office of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) in Washington D.C. regarding these eMails, in an effort to determine whether they are genuine. The DOS Visa Office has confirmed that the Visa Unit in New Delhi has been sending out such eMails as part of a validation effort in H1B cases.

AILA has further confirmed that these checks are part of studies underway that are related to compliance rates and reviews regarding H1B fraud concerns. This appears to be connected to the regulatory changes discussed in the May 20, 2011 NewsBrief, Expanded Authority in Visa Revocation at Consulates, available on MurthyDotCom.

If you do not have an attorney and wish to consult with us at the Murthy Law Firm regarding any of your immigration matters, please schedule a consultation for us to guide you in your particular case.

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