Following a whistleblower complaint, L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has agreed to pay $9.9 million to the US Department of Justice to resolve claims of visa fraud between 2014 and 2019. The agency claimed that by obtaining cheap B-1 visas rather than more expensive H-1B visas, LTTS evaded visa payments owed to the US.
“LTTS provides services and personnel to companies in the US. Most of the personnel are foreign nationals, who are required to have visas in order to lawfully enter or remain in the US. B-1 visas generally do not permit visa holders to perform paid labour while in the US. During the time period in question, fees for B-1 visas were between approximately $200 to $300, and there was no limit on the number of B-1 visas that could be issued,” a release said.
It continued by pointing out that H-1B visas, which allow foreigners to work for pay while they are in the country, cost between $4,000 and $6,000. These visas have an annual cap of 65,000, which makes them more difficult to get.
The claims resolved by the L&T Technology Services settlement, the note said, are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. “LTTS has denied liability, is cooperating with the US in this matter, and has taken significant steps to ensure compliance with US visa laws,” it said.