In response to an inquiry regarding the appropriateness of language concerning citizenship status in pre-employment scenarios, the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices (“OSC”) has issued a technical assistance letter clarifying the manner and extent to which employers may ask about prospective candidates’ potential need for employment sponsorship. Specifically, the September 6, 2013 letter confirms that the guidance set forth in the OSC’s August 6, 1998 technical assistance letter about questions related to job applicants’ citizenship status remains in effect, such that the OSC maintains its position on cautioning employers against asking applicants to provide their citizenship status during the application process “because a rejected applicant who is protected from citizenship status discrimination may perceive that the employer used that information to discriminate against him/her in making the hiring decision.” Instead, the OSC recommends that employers who wish to inquire about prospective sponsorship tailor their questions to this point and refrain from asking specifically about candidates’ immigration status. For example, an employer may ask a prospective employee“Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?” In turn, an employer who elects not to employ individuals requiring sponsorship may note this posture in the company’s job postings.

To read the OSC’s newly issued technical assistance letter, please click here.

To read the OSC’s previous technical assistance letter on this topic, please click here.