06/25/2026
An Indian H-1B worker says he was asked to pay to keep his job.
👉 According to a lawsuit filed in Texas, he was pressured to make payments after being placed on the company's bench without active project work.
👉 Being "on the bench" means an employee is not assigned to a client project but remains employed by the company.
He completed his master's degree in the US in 2023 and later obtained an H-1B job through the company.
👉 The H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized occupations.
The lawsuit claims he was told that if he didn't pay, he could lose his immigration status and face problems staying in the United States.
👉 Employers cannot legally require H-1B workers to pay for maintaining employment or visa status.
For many H-1B workers, losing a job can also mean losing the ability to remain in the US legally.
👉 Most H-1B workers generally have a limited grace period after job loss to find a new employer, change status, or leave the US.
So, he paid around $8,800 to keep his job and visa status.
The lawsuit also alleges that company officials withheld employment records and made threats involving his family.
👉 These are allegations made in the lawsuit and have not been proven in court.
Now he's seeking more than $97,000 in unpaid wages and damages.
However, the allegations have not been proven in court yet.
⚠️ Important: A lawsuit contains claims by one side. The court process will determine whether those claims are substantiated.
If you know someone working on H-1B, send them this.
👉 Key takeaway: H-1B workers should understand their rights, keep copies of employment documents, and seek legal guidance if they face threats, unlawful payment demands, or immigration-related coercion.
The more informed you are, the harder it is for someone to take advantage of you.