While many H-1B RFEs focus on specialty occupation or wage level issues, cases involving 3 year bachelor’s degrees continue to face consistent challenges. Applicants with degrees earned outside the United States are often questioned about the missing fourth year of education, which can lead to RFEs or denials if not handled correctly.
Even though many 3 year degree programs, particularly from India, include classroom hours comparable to or greater than U.S. programs, USCIS still raises concerns about equivalency. As a result, applicants with this background often encounter additional scrutiny during the review process.
A key step in avoiding these issues is preparing a credential evaluation at the time of filing. This evaluation should include a work experience conversion that accounts for the missing academic year. In this process, three years of progressive work experience in the same field can be treated as one year of college level study, provided the evaluation is prepared by a qualified professor who has the authority to grant academic credit for professional experience.
Progressive work experience plays an important role in this evaluation. It must show that the individual’s responsibilities grew over time, with increasing complexity and skill development. This demonstrates that knowledge was gained through practical work, supporting the equivalency argument.
An effective evaluation also takes into account the job role, the educational background, and the specific requirements of H-1B regulations. If any of these elements are overlooked, the evaluation may not fully support the petition. For this reason, careful review of all three factors is essential before submission.
Including this type of evaluation with the initial petition is the most reliable way to prevent an RFE. If an RFE has already been issued, submitting a detailed evaluation with work experience conversion as part of the response offers the best chance of resolving the issue.
TheDegreePeople.com handles these cases regularly and prepares evaluations that reflect each applicant’s background and job requirements. Their approach has been effective in helping applicants respond to RFEs and move their cases forward.
Applicants with 3 year degrees should avoid filing without proper evaluation support. TheDegreePeople.com also provides case reviews and quick responses, helping applicants understand the best steps before submitting their petition or RFE response.
Handling 3 year degree RFEs requires preparation and accurate evaluation. With the right documentation, applicants can present their qualifications clearly and meet USCIS expectations.
About Sheila Danzig
Sheila Danzig is the executive director of TheDegreePeople.com and a leading expert in foreign degree evaluations. She is widely recognized for her innovative approach to difficult cases, helping thousands of clients successfully obtain visa approvals even when facing RFEs or denials. Her expertise in USCIS requirements and commitment to providing personalized, effective solutions make her a trusted resource for professionals navigating the immigration process.
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If you’ve received an RFE, don’t wait. Sheila Danzig and TheDegreePeople.com offer a free review of your case to determine the best course of action. Our expertise has helped thousands of professionals, including H-1B applicants, secure approvals even in challenging cases.
To get your free case review, visit www.ccifree.com today.