The US Department of Labor has updated its list of employers barred from participating in the H-1B visa programme, naming four companies as “willful violators” for serious violations of visa and labour regulations.
The revised list took effect on July 1, 2026.
The companies are GowraTech LLC, Renotek Group LLC, Seeloz Inc. and Sherwood at Mount Dora Inc., which operates as Sherwood Academy.
All four companies have been temporarily barred from filing new H-1B petitions during their respective debarment periods, which extend until 2027 or 2028.
The move comes as US authorities increase scrutiny of the H-1B programme and step up investigations into alleged visa fraud, wage violations and misuse of foreign workers.
What Is a Willful Violator?
A “willful violator” is an employer found to have intentionally violated H-1B labour conditions or misrepresented important information while filing a Labor Condition Application.
Such violations may involve failing to protect American workers from displacement, not making genuine efforts to recruit US employees or placing H-1B workers at third-party worksites where American jobs could be affected.
Employers carrying this designation may also face random investigations by the Department of Labor.
Companies on the Debarment List
GowraTech LLC: Debarred from May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2027.
Renotek Group LLC: Debarred from August 8, 2025, to August 7, 2027.
Seeloz Inc.: Debarred from March 4, 2026, to March 3, 2028.
Sherwood at Mount Dora Inc., doing business as Sherwood Academy: Debarred from May 26, 2026, to May 25, 2028.
Should Indian H-1B Applicants Be Worried?
For most Indian professionals, there is no immediate reason for concern.
The restrictions apply only to the companies listed in the Department of Labor’s debarment register. Applicants should, however, verify whether a prospective employer is authorised to sponsor foreign workers before accepting a job offer.
Can These Companies Still Hire H-1B Workers?
The four companies cannot file new H-1B petitions during their debarment periods.
The restriction is temporary and will remain in force until the specified end date, unless US authorities revise or extend it.
Additional Scrutiny After Debarment
Even after their debarment periods end, employers classified as willful violators may continue to face stricter compliance requirements.
They must certify that they have not displaced American workers, have made genuine efforts to recruit US employees and have offered jobs to equally or better-qualified American candidates before hiring H-1B workers.
The Department of Labor may also conduct random investigations for up to five years after an employer is designated a willful violator.
