Sheila Danzig

Starting January 17, 2025, fundamental shifts in H-1B processing requirements will create unprecedented challenges for employers and foreign professionals seeking specialty occupation positions in the United States. These regulatory updates represent USCIS efforts to strengthen program oversight while establishing more stringent evaluation criteria for H-1B petitions. The changes will substantially increase Request for Evidence (RFE) volumes, requiring applicants to demonstrate enhanced preparation and strategic response capabilities.

The H-1B program serves skilled international workers pursuing specialty occupations that demand bachelor’s degrees or higher education in specific fields. However, recent regulatory modifications introduce heightened examination of position qualifications and beneficiary educational alignment with job requirements. These developments create additional obstacles for individuals and employers working through the immigration system, making expert guidance more essential than ever.

Understanding the Regulatory Changes

The updated requirements encompass several critical areas that will directly impact application success rates:

Revised Specialty Occupation Standards: New criteria establish stricter requirements for employers to prove that bachelor’s degrees represent essential rather than merely preferred qualifications for specific job roles. This change moves beyond traditional preferences to mandate clear demonstration of degree necessity for position performance.​

Enhanced Degree-Job Relationship Scrutiny: USCIS will conduct more rigorous evaluations of educational background connections to intended employment positions. This heightened analysis examines whether applicant degrees directly correlate with job responsibilities and requirements.

Expanded Employer Documentation Requirements: Companies must now provide comprehensive evidence including detailed project descriptions and client contract documentation to justify H-1B worker hiring decisions. These expanded requirements demand substantial preparation and thorough documentation processes.

RFE Preparation Strategies

These regulatory modifications significantly increase the probability that well-prepared H-1B applications will still encounter RFE challenges. Employers and beneficiaries must develop robust documentation strategies that address specialty occupation qualifications and demonstrate clear educational alignment with proposed positions. Proactive preparation becomes essential for preventing application delays and potential denials.

TheDegreePeople.com Professional Support

Sheila Danzig, who established TheDegreePeople.com, brings specialized expertise to H-1B applicants facing RFE challenges, particularly those involving specialty occupation determinations. Her extensive experience in academic evaluations and petition support has enabled numerous clients to successfully address complex immigration challenges. Through years of dedicated service, Sheila has developed comprehensive understanding of USCIS expectations and effective response strategies.

“Our goal is to make sure every client has the strongest case possible,” Sheila explains. “With these new regulations, it’s more important than ever to proactively address specialty occupation concerns and degree-job alignment before submitting the petition”. This proactive approach distinguishes TheDegreePeople.com from reactive service providers who wait for problems to develop.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

TheDegreePeople.com provides essential services that address the most common H-1B challenges:

Specialized Academic Evaluations: These assessments ensure foreign degrees meet U.S. equivalency standards while demonstrating clear alignment with specific job role requirements. The evaluation process examines educational content, institutional quality, and professional relevance.

Expert Opinion Letters: Industry professionals provide detailed analysis and substantiation for specialty occupation claims through authoritative documentation. These letters carry significant weight with USCIS because they demonstrate professional validation of position requirements.

Customized RFE Responses: TheDegreePeople.com develops personalized responses that address specific RFE concerns while focusing on specialty occupation and degree-related issues. Each response receives individual attention to maximize approval probability.

Strategic Approach to Regulatory Compliance

USCIS regulatory tightening requires applicants and employers to adopt proactive strategies for avoiding RFEs and ensuring successful petition outcomes. Developing comprehensive initial petitions and maintaining prepared responses for potential RFE situations becomes critical for success. TheDegreePeople.com offers invaluable support through specialized expertise in academic evaluations and specialty occupation RFE resolution.

Don’t allow new USCIS changes to undermine your H-1B petition success. TheDegreePeople.com provides the expert guidance and comprehensive support necessary to strengthen your case and overcome regulatory challenges. For additional information about how TheDegreePeople.com can assist with your H-1B petition requirements, visit TheDegreePeople.com.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

Demonstrating educational equivalency through professional experience represents a crucial element for individuals pursuing U.S. work visas. TheDegreePeople.com specializes in converting years of specialized work into recognized academic credentials, ensuring applicants meet strict USCIS requirements while effectively showcasing their qualifications.​

TheDegreePeople.com’s Work Experience Evaluation Process

The team conducts thorough reviews of professional backgrounds to translate work experience into academic credit equivalencies. Following USCIS guidelines, they apply the principle that three years of progressive, specialized work equals one year of U.S. college-level education. This process encompasses detailed analysis of employment records, including job descriptions, project portfolios, and employer verification. Additionally, they cross-reference industry standards to ensure roles align with U.S. occupational codes and educational benchmarks.​

TheDegreePeople.com collaborates with U.S.-based professionals to validate specialized skills and knowledge essential for the petitioned role. This approach ensures that evaluations meet the highest standards for accuracy and USCIS compliance.​

Addressing Educational Challenges Through Professional Experience

Work experience conversions serve as common methods to overcome educational hurdles because USCIS accepts that three years of progressive work experience in the field of the H-1B job equals one year of college credit in that major. Progressive work experience means education occurred on the job as evidenced by promotions or the work becoming demonstrably more difficult with greater responsibility over the course of employment.​

A professor with the authority to convert work experience into college credit can perform this conversion, which explains why TheDegreePeople.com works with such professors when writing H-1B credential evaluations. This methodology proves particularly valuable for applicants with foreign degrees or incomplete educational backgrounds.​

Case Study: Bridging Education Gaps with Professional Expertise

A prime example demonstrates TheDegreePeople.com’s effectiveness in this area. A software engineer from India with over a decade of experience but no formal degree sought an H-1B visa. TheDegreePeople.com’s evaluation demonstrated how his advanced work in cloud architecture and certifications in AWS equated to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. This assessment proved crucial in securing approval, enabling him to contribute to a leading U.S. tech firm.​

Comprehensive Service Portfolio

TheDegreePeople.com provides comprehensive services ranging from document-by-document summaries to course-by-course analyses, addressing needs for immigration, licensure, and academic admissions. With four decades of expertise since 1985, their evaluations have supported over 12,000 visa petitions, achieving a 98% success rate in resolving RFEs.​

Their USCIS-compliant reports adhere to AAO precedents and federal guidelines, making them accepted by immigration authorities nationwide. This track record demonstrates their commitment to excellence and understanding of immigration requirements.​

Strategic Approach to Complex Cases

TheDegreePeople.com recognizes that USCIS raises significant concerns when they encounter certain educational situations, including foreign degrees, three-year bachelor’s degrees, degrees in majors different from the H-1B job, generalized degrees, incomplete college, no college, and credentials from unaccredited institutions.​

To address these situations, applicants must demonstrate that the beneficiary has met H-1B educational requirements with a credential evaluation that shows their education, non-collegiate training, and work experience comprises the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of the job. This requires a detailed evaluation written specifically to address the situation, including detailed evaluation of courses taken, evaluation of academic value of any professional or other non-collegiate training, and work experience conversion.​

Final Thoughts

Converting professional experience into academic credentials requires expertise in both immigration law and educational standards. TheDegreePeople.com’s specialized approach ensures that years of professional growth and specialized knowledge receive proper recognition under U.S. immigration standards. Their methodology provides a pathway for qualified professionals to demonstrate their qualifications even when traditional educational credentials may not directly align with USCIS requirements.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

Credential evaluations serve as fundamental components in visa application processes, especially for H1B, EB2, EB3, E3, and TN visa categories. These assessments prove instrumental in preventing education-related Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and reversing denials that could otherwise derail your immigration journey. However, their success depends entirely on selecting the appropriate credential evaluation agency that understands your specific visa requirements and circumstances.

Essential Criteria for Selecting Your Evaluation Partner

Visa-Specific Specialization Requirements
Your chosen agency must possess deep specialization in evaluations that correspond precisely with your target visa category’s unique demands. This expertise includes comprehensive understanding of each visa type’s distinct characteristics and the particular educational qualifications they require for approval. Generic evaluation services cannot provide the focused expertise necessary for complex immigration cases.

Individualized Assessment Approach
Every immigration case presents unique circumstances requiring custom-tailored evaluations that address your specific educational background, professional experience, and H-1B position requirements. Standard template evaluations that ignore these individual factors often fail to meet USCIS expectations and may result in application complications. Your evaluation must reflect your personal academic and professional journey accurately.

Current USCIS Knowledge Base
The evaluation agency should maintain comprehensive awareness of current USCIS trends, approval patterns, and evolving standards. This knowledge proves essential for developing evaluations that satisfy strict USCIS expectations and align with recent policy changes. Without this current understanding, evaluations may fail to address contemporary immigration requirements.

International Education System Expertise
Your agency needs extensive expertise across diverse international education systems to accurately assess and establish equivalency between foreign degrees and U.S. educational standards. This specialized knowledge ensures proper recognition of your academic achievements within the American educational framework. Limited understanding of global education systems can result in undervalued or misrepresented credentials.

Professional Experience Integration Capabilities
When degree-job mismatches occur or incomplete college education creates gaps, your agency should demonstrate proven ability to convert relevant work experience into equivalent college credits. This complex process requires evaluating whether your professional responsibilities progressively increased in sophistication and specialization, mirroring formal educational advancement. Not all agencies possess this specialized conversion expertise.

Comprehensive Research and Analysis Standards
Thorough analysis and extensive research into your educational background and work experience form the foundation of effective evaluations. This includes investigating institutional accreditation status, coursework relevance to your intended position, and professional responsibility progression throughout your career. Surface-level evaluations cannot provide the depth required for successful visa applications.

Personalized Client Service Commitment
Your evaluation agency should provide individualized service that includes detailed questioning about your job requirements, educational background, and professional experience. This personalized approach ensures your evaluation addresses your specific circumstances and visa category requirements precisely. Automated or standardized service models cannot deliver this level of customization.

Critical RFE Scenarios Addressed Through Expert Evaluations

Credential evaluations prove particularly valuable when addressing RFEs concerning foreign degree equivalency disputes, education-occupation alignment challenges, and work experience equivalency determinations. These professional assessments clarify foreign educational credential equivalency to U.S. standards, demonstrate alignment between your education and job requirements, and establish how your work experience compensates for any educational gaps.

When pursuing credential evaluations for visa applications, selecting an agency like TheDegreePeople.com becomes essential for obtaining specialized, comprehensive, and customized assessments. Your chosen agency must demonstrate extensive knowledge of USCIS trends, international education systems, and work experience equivalency processes, all specifically tailored to your unique educational and professional background.

Career Consulting International stands ready to review any case, including existing RFEs and denials, to reverse those decisions or provide preventive analysis before filing to avoid RFE complications entirely.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

Wage Level Issue RFEs and Denials frequently occur for H-1B positions classified at Level 1 Wages. This challenge emerges through a two-step process: H-1B visas are designated for foreign nationals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher as the minimum qualification to perform the job. Simultaneously, H-1B employers must pay H-1B employees the prevailing wage for their position. When positions are classified at Level 1 Wages, USCIS often assumes the role is entry-level, which may not consistently require a bachelor’s degree minimum, or suspects the employer is underpaying the H-1B employee.

Computer Programmers Face Heightened Scrutiny

Computer programmers experience the most significant impact from this issue, frequently receiving double RFEs that require addressing both specialty occupation and wage level concerns simultaneously. This trend began when USCIS stopped automatically approving H-1B visas for positions that normally but not always required a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational requirement. The change affected programmers particularly hard because these professionals historically experienced no difficulty with visa approvals.

Understanding the Wage Level Challenge

The fundamental shift occurred when USCIS began interpreting H-1B specialty occupation requirements more strictly. While the law states that positions must normally require at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent, USCIS started adjudicating this as “always,” making exceptions the new standard for approval. This interpretation created significant obstacles for computer programmers and similar positions, especially those classified at wage level one.

Prevention and Response Strategies

To prevent or respond to wage level issue RFEs, TheDegreePeople.com recommends providing a detailed breakdown of factors that determined the wage level classification. This documentation should include wage levels for identical positions within the industry and geographical location. A crucial factor in justifying lower starting wage levels involves recognizing that the H-1B visa program was designed to attract foreign students to U.S. schools by offering opportunities to remain in the United States after graduation for specialty occupation work under dual-intent visa status.

Many H-1B employees possess the required degree for their position but lack sufficient work experience to perform duties without extensive training and supervision. This reality directly influences wage level one determinations and must be clearly documented.

Expert Opinion Letter Requirements

All supporting evidence must be accompanied by an expert opinion letter written by a professional with extensive field experience in the H-1B job area. The expert’s background should include hiring employees for the position in question and similar roles, adding analysis and credibility to justify the wage level determination. USCIS will not accept expert opinion letters from professionals who are solely instructors or educators in the field. The expert must demonstrate substantial field experience for USCIS to accept their opinion and approve the visa.

Proactive Documentation Approach

For positions classified at level one wages, TheDegreePeople.com advises including comprehensive documentation with the initial petition to prevent RFEs or denials. This proactive approach should include evidence demonstrating that the particular position is uniquely specialized and requires a bachelor’s degree minimum to perform the duties and responsibilities. Additional documentation should feature job advertisements showing bachelor’s degree requirements and advertisements for similar positions at comparable companies. Proof of past employer hiring practices further strengthens the case.

Strategic Case Preparation

TheDegreePeople.com emphasizes the importance of working with experts who have at least ten years of experience in the H-1B job field. Ideally, these experts have held positions of authority involving hiring decisions for the position in question and supporting roles that required employees to possess specific skills and knowledge for operational success. This comprehensive approach helps establish the specialized nature of the position and justifies the wage level determination.

Final Thoughts

Successfully addressing wage level issue RFEs requires strategic documentation and expert analysis that clearly establishes the specialized nature of the position while justifying the wage level classification. TheDegreePeople.com’s experience in handling these challenging cases provides applicants with the expertise needed to overcome USCIS scrutiny and achieve successful outcomes.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

Obtaining an H-1B visa presents substantial challenges for foreign professionals seeking specialized positions in the United States. When applicants encounter a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, the situation demands immediate expert attention and strategic response. Sheila Danzig, director of Career Consulting International (CCI) and founder of TheDegreePeople.com, has established herself as the leading authority in credential verification services that successfully address H-1B visa complications.

The H-1B Visa Process and Common RFE Issues

The H-1B program enables American employers to recruit international professionals for specialty occupations requiring bachelor’s degrees or equivalent qualifications. However, this pathway frequently encounters obstacles when USCIS requests additional evidence to support applications. RFEs arise from various concerns including educational qualification questions, specialty occupation nature disputes, and employer-employee relationship clarifications. Responding accurately and promptly to these requests becomes essential for preventing application delays or outright denials.

Sheila Danzig’s Credential Verification Approach

Sheila Danzig has revolutionized H-1B applicant support through her comprehensive credential verification services at TheDegreePeople.com. Her team conducts meticulous examinations of educational and professional backgrounds to ensure complete alignment with USCIS specialty occupation criteria. Her expertise stems from extensive knowledge of international education systems, enabling effective translation of foreign degrees into recognized U.S. equivalents. This specialized understanding provides the critical documentation necessary to satisfy stringent USCIS standards.

Strategic RFE Response Methodology

Sheila Danzig promotes proactive strategies for managing RFE challenges effectively. Her recommended approach includes conducting comprehensive credential evaluations to ensure accurate assessment and presentation of educational qualifications as U.S. degree equivalents. She emphasizes obtaining expert opinion letters from industry professionals to provide additional validation when educational qualifications or job responsibilities face scrutiny. Her methodology also involves clearly defining specialty occupations and beneficiary roles while highlighting how specific skills and education prove essential to the position. Additionally, she stresses documenting employer-employee relationships thoroughly, particularly for third-party placement situations where USCIS concerns frequently arise.

Proven Results and Client Success

TheDegreePeople.com clients consistently praise Sheila Danzig for her unwavering commitment and exceptional expertise in credential evaluation processes. Her ability to streamline complex procedures and develop strategic RFE responses has enabled numerous professionals to achieve their American employment objectives. By applying her extensive knowledge and experience, Sheila strengthens each application substantially, significantly increasing approval probability.

TheDegreePeople.com Excellence Standards

Successfully addressing H-1B visa challenges, particularly RFE situations, requires specialized knowledge, precision, and strategic planning capabilities. Under Sheila Danzig’s leadership, TheDegreePeople.com embodies these essential qualities, making her an invaluable resource for H-1B applicants and their sponsoring employers. Her dedication to excellence and innovative solution development continues facilitating successful visa applications, enabling skilled professionals worldwide to achieve their career aspirations in the United States.

When facing H-1B visa complications or RFE challenges, partnering with Sheila Danzig and TheDegreePeople.com provides the expert guidance and comprehensive support necessary for transforming obstacles into successful outcomes.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) creates immediate anxiety for applicants and their families. However, this communication represents an opportunity rather than a defeat. An RFE indicates that USCIS requires additional information before reaching a final decision on your petition, providing you with a chance to strengthen your case and address any concerns directly.

Sheila Danzig and her expert team at TheDegreePeople.com possess extensive experience helping clients transform RFE challenges into successful petition approvals. Their strategic approach and deep understanding of USCIS requirements have enabled thousands of professionals to overcome documentation obstacles and achieve their immigration goals.

Common RFE Triggers and Their Solutions

USCIS issues RFEs across several categories that frequently impact visa applicants:

Degree Equivalency Complications
Foreign educational credentials often require detailed analysis to establish U.S. equivalency standards. When your degree originates from a different educational system, USCIS may question whether it meets the required academic level for your visa category. This challenge becomes particularly complex when degree titles translate directly but underlying academic content differs significantly from U.S. programs.

Work Experience Verification Issues
USCIS scrutinizes professional experience claims to ensure they align with visa requirements. Applicants must demonstrate that their work history qualifies them for their specific visa category through detailed documentation and professional validation. This process becomes challenging when job titles, responsibilities, or industry standards vary between countries.

Documentation Gaps and Translation Problems
Missing translations, unclear evidence, or insufficient supporting materials trigger RFE requests. USCIS requires comprehensive documentation that leaves no questions about applicant qualifications or petition validity. Even minor oversights in initial submissions can result in RFE requests that delay processing timelines.

Specialty Occupation Questions
USCIS frequently challenges whether positions truly require bachelor’s degrees or higher education levels. This scrutiny intensifies for roles with varying educational requirements across different industries or companies. Establishing clear connections between job duties and educational requirements becomes essential for petition success.

TheDegreePeople.com Strategic Response Methods

Sheila Danzig’s team employs proven methodologies to address USCIS concerns effectively:

Comprehensive Credential Evaluations
Their detailed assessments ensure foreign degrees receive proper recognition as U.S. educational equivalents. These evaluations go beyond basic comparisons to provide thorough analysis that satisfies USCIS requirements and eliminates ambiguity about academic qualifications.

Authoritative Expert Opinion Letters
Industry professionals provide statements validating qualifications and job role requirements. These letters carry significant weight with USCIS because they come from recognized experts who understand both the applicant’s field and U.S. industry standards.

Professional Experience Evaluations
Detailed assessments demonstrate how accumulated work experience can substitute for formal education requirements. This approach proves particularly valuable when applicants possess extensive practical knowledge that exceeds typical degree-based learning.

Strategic RFE Response Development
TheDegreePeople.com structures responses to directly address USCIS expectations while maximizing approval probability. Their systematic approach ensures every concern receives thorough attention with supporting evidence that builds compelling cases for petition approval.

Proven Track Record of Success

Sheila Danzig’s decades of experience and comprehensive understanding of immigration policies have established TheDegreePeople.com as a trusted resource for RFE resolution. Their success rate demonstrates the effectiveness of their strategic approach and commitment to client outcomes. By partnering with TheDegreePeople.com, applicants gain access to specialized expertise that transforms potential roadblocks into stepping stones toward immigration success.

When you receive an RFE, remember that this represents an opportunity to strengthen your case with additional evidence and expert support. TheDegreePeople.com provides the knowledge, experience, and dedication necessary to guide you through this process successfully, ensuring your visa application remains on track toward approval.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

The I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers represents a critical pathway for foreign professionals seeking employment-based permanent residency in the United States. This essential immigration process allows U.S. employers to sponsor talented international workers for green cards across various employment categories, ensuring American businesses can access global expertise when needed.

Understanding Key Employment-Based Categories

The I-140 petition encompasses several important employment-based classifications that cater to different professional qualifications:

EB-1: Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors/Researchers, and Multinational Managers
This premier category serves individuals demonstrating extraordinary abilities within science, arts, education, business, or athletics fields. It also accommodates outstanding professors and researchers with international recognition, along with executives and managers transferring from multinational corporations to their U.S. operations.

EB-2: Advanced Degrees and Exceptional Ability
This classification suits professionals holding advanced degrees or equivalent qualifications. It also includes individuals with exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business sectors. The National Interest Waiver (NIW) option within this category benefits those whose professional contributions significantly advance U.S. national interests.

EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
This broader category encompasses skilled workers possessing at least two years of specialized training or experience. It also includes professionals with bachelor’s degrees and positions requiring such education. Additionally, this classification covers unskilled workers filling permanent labor positions requiring less than two years training.

Navigating the I-140 Petition Process

Successfully completing the I-140 petition involves several critical steps:

Labor Certification (PERM)
Most EB-2 and EB-3 categories require this preliminary step where employers must demonstrate they’ve conducted good faith recruitment efforts but found no qualified U.S. workers available for the position. This process protects domestic labor markets while allowing businesses to fill genuine talent gaps.

Filing the I-140 Petition
Once labor certification completes (if required), employers submit Form I-140 with comprehensive documentation proving the employee’s qualifications meet category requirements. Processing timelines vary significantly depending on USCIS service center workloads and specific employment category complexities.

Premium Processing Option
For time-sensitive situations, premium processing provides expedited review with decisions rendered within 15 calendar days for an additional fee. This option proves valuable when visa numbers are immediately available or when employment circumstances require prompt resolution.

Sheila Danzig’s Specialized Expertise

Sheila Danzig, founder of TheDegreePeople.com and director of Career Consulting International (CCI), brings unmatched expertise to I-140 petition preparation and support. Her extensive experience evaluating educational credentials and professional qualifications makes her an invaluable resource for employers and foreign professionals working through the U.S. immigration system.

Comprehensive Knowledge Base
Sheila’s deep understanding ensures all I-140 petition aspects receive thorough attention, from initial qualification assessment through final submission. Her expertise helps identify the most appropriate employment category for each situation, maximizing approval chances.

Precise Credential Evaluation
Her specialized team delivers detailed educational and professional qualification evaluations that satisfy strict USCIS requirements. These evaluations accurately translate foreign credentials into U.S. equivalents, establishing clear eligibility for specific employment categories.

Effective RFE Resolution
Sheila has established an impressive record successfully addressing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and overcoming other immigration challenges that might otherwise derail petition approval. Her strategic approach turns potential obstacles into opportunities for strengthening cases.

The Sheila Danzig Advantage

Choosing Sheila Danzig for I-140 petition assistance ensures personalized service tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and requirements. Her expertise streamlines what can otherwise become an overwhelming process, significantly improving favorable outcome likelihood. Sheila’s dedication to client success and comprehensive understanding of evolving immigration policies make her an essential partner for those pursuing employment-based permanent residency in the United States.

For additional information about I-140 petitions and how Sheila Danzig can support your immigration journey, visit TheDegreePeople.com. Her commitment to excellence and client-centered approach will guide you confidently through U.S. immigration system complexities, helping transform your American employment dreams into reality.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

Preventing a Request for Evidence (RFE) proves significantly more manageable than addressing one after it arrives. USCIS does not have to issue an RFE to obtain the information they need to make an informed decision about your petition. Understanding this fundamental principle can save applicants considerable time, stress, and potential complications in their visa application process.

Understanding RFEs as Red Flags
An RFE serves as a tool USCIS uses to make the right decision about your petition. When they cannot make a decision based on the evidence you provided, they request more information. While receiving an RFE is not the end of the world and can actually be utilized as an opportunity to strengthen your case, an RFE represents a red flag that draws close attention to your petition.

TheDegreePeople.com recognizes that a red flag is another tool USCIS uses to streamline the massive amount of work they have to do to reduce 233,000 petitions into 65,000 visas. If you receive an RFE, this means a glaring omission of evidence has drawn USCIS’s close attention to your petition, and it will now be examined thoroughly. Minor errors that would have otherwise gone unnoticed will come to light during this intensified scrutiny.

The Strategic Challenge of RFE Responses
Answering an RFE is not necessarily a straightforward process. To successfully answer an RFE, you need to coordinate with your lawyer, your employer, and your evaluator to understand exactly what is being asked and how to address it properly. Some RFEs are realistically impossible to answer effectively.

The “Nightmare” RFE represents one of these challenging situations, and TheDegreePeople.com has observed more of them appearing each year. While these can be answered, it requires strategy that only an evaluation agency with international education and federal case law experts can provide. TheDegreePeople.com has been able to get around 95% of all Nightmare RFEs they work on overturned, but these RFEs cause unnecessary stress to H1B candidates and can be easily avoided.

Essential Prevention Strategies
TheDegreePeople.com recommends several key strategies to avoid RFEs in the first place. Triple-check your answers on all documents and forms for consistency. Inconsistent answers, even small mistakes, can trigger an RFE.

Prove that your H1B job is a specialty occupation requiring a US bachelor’s degree or its equivalence or higher. You can accomplish this by showing the advertisement for your job, documentation that similar jobs for similar companies require a bachelor’s degree or higher, and with an expert letter.

Educational Requirements and Specialized Degrees
Clearly demonstrate that your degree is a US bachelor’s degree or higher or its equivalent. If your degree is from outside the US, you will need to have your education evaluated by an authorized credential evaluation agency. If you have a three-year degree, you will need to find an agency with the authority and expertise to convert classroom contact hours and years of work experience into college credit hours to account for the missing fourth year.

Your degree must be specialized. This means if you have a liberal arts degree or a generalized degree, USCIS will not accept this as proof that you actually possess the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to be qualified for your H1B job. If you have a generalized degree, you need to work with a credential evaluation agency that will examine your course content and work experience closely, making the proper conversions to college credit hours to show equivalence to a specialized degree.

Exact Degree-Job Matching Requirements
Your degree must exactly fit your job offer. This means that even though your employer hired you because your degree in a related field and your experience working in the field was enough to prove to them you have the specialized skills and experience necessary to be successful in your new job, USCIS needs more.

If your degree is not an exact fit for your job, you need a credential evaluation from an evaluator who can examine the course content of your degree closely and make the necessary conversions. TheDegreePeople.com can also convert your years of work experience in the field into college credit to show equivalency to the exact degree USCIS requires you to have.

Final Thoughts
Prevention remains the most effective strategy when dealing with potential RFEs. TheDegreePeople.com’s expertise in foreign credential evaluations and their understanding of USCIS requirements position them as valuable partners in ensuring your petition meets all necessary standards from the initial submission.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.

Building a successful immigration law practice requires more than exceptional legal skills. Many talented attorneys struggle with practice growth because they make fundamental marketing mistakes that undermine their business development efforts. Understanding these pitfalls and implementing strategic solutions can transform your practice from surviving to thriving in today’s competitive legal marketplace.

Mistake #1: Failing to Recognize Your Law Firm as a Business Entity

Your immigration law practice operates as a business first, with the primary function of selling legal services to clients who need immigration assistance. This business reality differs significantly from your professional role as an attorney, where your focus centers on protecting client rights and achieving favorable outcomes. While maintaining professional standards remains essential, recognizing your firm’s commercial nature becomes equally important for long-term sustainability.

Many attorneys resist viewing their practice through a business lens, considering this perspective somehow unprofessional. This mindset stems from historical restrictions on legal advertising that no longer apply in today’s legal environment. You carry equal responsibility for your family’s financial security and your clients’ legal needs. Excellence in legal representation must coexist with sound business practices to ensure your firm’s continued operation and growth.

Mistake #2: Mimicking Large Firm Marketing Strategies

Major law firms possess substantial marketing budgets that allow massive advertising expenditures across multiple channels. These firms can afford experimental campaigns and absorb losses from unsuccessful marketing initiatives. However, their deep pockets don’t guarantee profitable returns on investment or demonstrate effective marketing knowledge. Many large firms continue spending simply because they always have, without measuring actual results or return on investment.

Solo practitioners and small immigration firms cannot compete using identical strategies employed by well-funded competitors. Instead of copying what appears successful from the outside, focus on identifying proven marketing methods that deliver measurable results within your budget constraints. Effective marketing for immigration practices requires strategic thinking rather than unlimited spending.

Mistake #3: Conducting Client Meetings in Restaurant Settings

Restaurant meetings create numerous disadvantages that can undermine your professional image and client relationships. These environments present constant distractions from servers, other diners, and ambient noise that prevent focused discussions. Privacy concerns become significant when discussing sensitive immigration matters that could be overheard by strangers at nearby tables.

Your office environment provides the ideal setting for client consultations. Professional surroundings reinforce your expertise and credibility while offering access to case files, reference materials, and technology resources. When clients have questions requiring specific documentation or precedent research, you can provide immediate answers rather than promising follow-up responses. This immediate access to information demonstrates competence and builds client confidence in your capabilities.

Mistake #4: Prioritizing New Client Acquisition Over Existing Client Service

Outstanding client service forms the foundation of sustainable practice growth, regardless of your new client volume. Even the strongest marketing efforts cannot compensate for poor service delivery that disappoints existing clients. Your primary obligation remains providing exceptional legal representation that achieves positive outcomes for every client you serve.

Business research consistently demonstrates that retaining existing clients costs significantly less than acquiring new ones. Satisfied clients become your most effective marketing assets through referrals to friends, family members, and professional contacts who need immigration services. They also return for additional legal services as their circumstances change or expand. Consistent excellence in client service creates a self-sustaining referral system that reduces dependence on expensive marketing campaigns while building a reputation for quality that attracts premium clients seeking experienced immigration counsel.

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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.

Get a Free Review of Your Case

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. Don’t let an RFE stand in your way—get the expert help you need to strengthen your petition and move forward with confidence.