How to Get Your H1B Visa Approved in USA: Tips for Addressing Specialty Occupation RFE Issues
Securing an H1B visa approval in the United States can be challenging, especially when USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) questioning specialty occupation eligibility or educational qualifications. Many H1B RFEs are not issued due to ineligibility, but because USCIS requires clearer documentation and professional validation. Expert opinion letters and foreign credential evaluations play a critical role in addressing these concerns and improving approval outcomes.
Understanding Specialty Occupation RFEs in H1B Cases
A specialty occupation RFE is issued when USCIS needs additional evidence to confirm that the offered job requires specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. These RFEs commonly arise when job duties are not clearly defined or when educational qualifications need further explanation.
USCIS may question:
- Whether the job qualifies as a specialty occupation
- If the degree field directly relates to the job role
- Whether the education level meets H1B requirements
Receiving a specialty occupation RFE does not mean denial. It is an opportunity to strengthen the petition with proper documentation.
Why Education and Degree Equivalency Matter
Educational qualifications are a central part of H1B eligibility. When degrees are earned outside the United States, USCIS requires confirmation that they meet U.S. academic standards. This is especially relevant for applicants holding three-year bachelor’s degrees or degrees from international institutions.
Common education-related RFE issues include:
- Unclear degree equivalency
- Differences in academic structure or credit systems
- Missing or incomplete transcripts
Foreign credential evaluations help resolve these concerns by presenting academic qualifications in a USCIS-recognized format.
Role of Expert Opinion Letters in Specialty Occupation RFEs
Expert opinion letters are professional assessments prepared by qualified specialists who analyze the job role, educational background, and industry requirements. These letters explain how the offered position meets specialty occupation criteria and how the applicant’s education supports the role.
Expert opinion letters help by:
- Demonstrating that the job requires specialized knowledge
- Linking job duties to degree requirements
- Supporting foreign degree equivalency
- Clarifying professional qualifications
Such letters directly address USCIS concerns raised in specialty occupation RFEs.
Importance of Foreign Credential Evaluation for H1B Approval
Foreign credential evaluation is essential for applicants with non-U.S. degrees. USCIS relies on these evaluations to determine whether the applicant’s education is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher.
Credential evaluations assist in:
- Establishing U.S. degree equivalency
- Supporting specialty occupation eligibility
- Strengthening petition documentation
This is particularly important for applicants whose degree duration or curriculum differs from U.S. standards.
Affordable and Reliable H1B RFE Support in the USA
Cost is a common concern for applicants responding to H1B RFEs. TheDegreePeople offers affordable expert opinion letter and credential evaluation services designed specifically for H1B specialty occupation and education-related RFEs.
Applicants benefit from:
- Competitive and transparent pricing
- Evaluations prepared by qualified professionals
- Documentation aligned with USCIS expectations
- Turnaround times suitable for RFE deadlines
Affordable services allow applicants to respond effectively without unnecessary financial strain.
When to Seek Professional Help for Specialty Occupation RFEs
Professional assistance is recommended when:
- USCIS questions whether the role qualifies as a specialty occupation
- The RFE requests clarification of job duties or education
- A foreign degree requires equivalency evaluation
- Previous submissions were deemed insufficient
Early professional support helps ensure that RFE responses are accurate, complete, and well-structured.
Cost of Expert Opinion Letters and Credential Evaluations
The cost of expert services varies based on case complexity and documentation needs.
Typical pricing includes:
- Basic expert opinion letters: approximately $600–$1200
- Foreign credential evaluations: approximately $500–$1000
These costs reflect the level of professional analysis required to meet USCIS standards.
Tips to Avoid Specialty Occupation RFEs
Applicants can reduce the likelihood of RFEs by:
- Clearly defining job duties and required qualifications
- Ensuring education aligns with the job role
- Submitting complete academic documentation
- Obtaining credential evaluations early
Proper preparation strengthens H1B petitions and improves approval chances.
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.









