Infosys says US investigating B1 business visa sponsorships

IT major Infosys on Wednesday said that in a recent meeting with the United States Attorney’s office in Texas, the company was 'advised' that some of its employees and the company are targets of an investigation in connection with alleged United States visa abuse.

In May, a federal grand jury subpoenaed Infosys in connection with a lawsuit filed by a US based employee. The employee, Jack Jay Palmer, had alleged that Infosys was misusing B1 businesses visas issued by the United States.

In United States, B1 Visas are issued for short term business visitors and not for employees being sent onsite on work. According to US visa rules, B1 visaholders should not be paid by an employer.

“The subpoena requires that the Company provide to the grand jury certain documents and records related to the Company’s sponsorships for, and uses of, B1 business visas,” the company said in its filing to the US Securities & Exchange Commission.

“The company intends to have further discussions with the US Attorney’s officer regarding this matter,” said the filing by the technology major.

“We are co-operating with the authorities and at no time have we had a practice of visa abuse,” an Infosys spokeswoman said.