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Credential Evaluation

I-140 EB2/EB3 RFE Help in USA: Fast Response Services and Expert Opinion Letters

Credential Evaluation, Visa Approvals

Receiving an I-140 Request for Evidence (RFE) under the EB2 or EB3 category can delay or jeopardize an employment-based green card application. USCIS issues RFEs when additional documentation is required to verify eligibility, qualifications, or job requirements. Many I-140 RFEs relate to education equivalency, specialty occupation alignment, or insufficient professional evidence. With the right expert opinion letters and foreign credential evaluations, applicants can respond effectively and strengthen their petitions for approval.

Understanding I-140 EB2 and EB3 RFEs

An I-140 RFE is issued by USCIS when the submitted petition does not clearly demonstrate that the beneficiary meets EB2 or EB3 eligibility requirements. These RFEs often request clarification related to education, work experience, or job requirements.

Common reasons for I-140 RFEs include:

  • Degree equivalency concerns for foreign education
  • Questions about whether the position qualifies under EB2 or EB3 standards
  • Insufficient documentation supporting professional qualifications
  • Unclear relationship between education, experience, and job role

An RFE is not a denial. It provides an opportunity to submit additional evidence and clarify USCIS concerns.

Education and Degree Equivalency Issues in I-140 RFEs

Education plays a critical role in EB2 and EB3 petitions. USCIS must verify that the beneficiary’s academic qualifications meet U.S. standards. RFEs are frequently issued when degrees are earned outside the United States or when academic structures differ.

Education-related RFE concerns often involve:

  • Degree equivalency evaluation USA requirements
  • Three-year foreign bachelor’s degrees
  • Differences in curriculum, credits, or grading systems
  • Incomplete or unclear academic documentation

A professional degree evaluation for EB2/EB3 petitions helps establish U.S. equivalency and addresses these concerns in a USCIS-recognized format.

Role of Expert Opinion Letters in I-140 RFE Responses

An expert opinion letter is a detailed professional assessment prepared by a qualified authority. These letters explain how the beneficiary’s education, experience, and job duties meet EB2 or EB3 requirements.

Expert opinion letters support I-140 RFE responses by:

  • Validating degree equivalency and academic background
  • Supporting specialty occupation or advanced degree requirements
  • Explaining how education and experience align with the offered position
  • Clarifying professional qualifications in technical or specialized fields

Expert opinion letters are especially valuable when USCIS questions eligibility under EB2 or EB3 categories.

Importance of Credential Evaluation for EB2 and EB3 Petitions

Foreign credential evaluation is essential for beneficiaries with international degrees. USCIS relies on these evaluations to determine whether the education meets U.S. standards required for employment-based immigration.

Credential evaluations assist by:

  • Establishing education equivalency for EB2 and EB3 visas
  • Supporting professional and specialty occupation claims
  • Strengthening overall petition documentation

Credential evaluations are often combined with expert opinion letters to provide a complete and well-supported I-140 RFE response.

Fast and Affordable I-140 RFE Help in USA

Responding to an I-140 RFE requires accuracy and timely submission. Delays or incomplete responses can result in denial. Fast response services help ensure that documentation meets USCIS deadlines and expectations.

Professional I-140 RFE help services typically include:

  • Expert opinion letters for EB2 and EB3 RFEs
  • Degree equivalency evaluation USA services
  • Academic credential evaluation services
  • Clear documentation aligned with USCIS requirements

Affordable immigration evaluation services allow applicants to respond effectively without unnecessary financial burden.

When to Seek Professional I-140 RFE Support

Professional assistance is recommended when:

  • USCIS questions degree equivalency or education level
  • An RFE requests expert validation of qualifications
  • The job role or category classification is challenged
  • Previous submissions were considered insufficient

Early professional involvement improves response quality and reduces the risk of denial.

Cost of Expert Opinion Letters and Credential Evaluations for I-140 RFEs

The cost of responding to an I-140 RFE depends on the complexity of the case and documentation required.

Typical cost ranges include:

  • Expert opinion letters: approximately $600–$1200
  • Credential evaluations and degree equivalency assessments: approximately $500–$1000

These services provide structured analysis and documentation that meet USCIS review standards.

Tips to Reduce I-140 EB2/EB3 RFE Risks

Applicants can minimize RFE risks by:

  • Submitting complete academic and employment documentation
  • Obtaining degree evaluations early
  • Ensuring job requirements align with EB2 or EB3 standards
  • Including expert analysis where qualifications may be questioned

Proper preparation strengthens employment-based petitions and improves approval outcomes.

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.

I-140 EB2/EB3 RFE Help in USA: Fast Response Services and Expert Opinion Letters Read More »

Fast and Affordable Foreign Credential Evaluation for US Immigration in USA: Get Expert Help Today

Credential Evaluation, immigration

Foreign credential evaluation is a key requirement in many U.S. immigration cases, particularly for employment-based visas such as H1B. Applicants often face Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or denials when USCIS requires additional proof that foreign education meets U.S. academic standards. In such cases, expert opinion letters and professional credential evaluation services provide essential support. These documents help clarify academic equivalency, validate job requirements, and strengthen visa petitions.

What Is a Foreign Credential Evaluation?

A foreign credential evaluation is a formal assessment of academic qualifications earned outside the United States. USCIS uses this evaluation to determine whether a foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher. Credential evaluations are commonly requested when applicants hold degrees from international universities or when the academic structure differs from the U.S. education system.

USCIS may request a credential evaluation to confirm:

  • The level of the foreign degree
  • The field of study and relevance to the job role
  • Whether a three-year bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree

Receiving such a request does not indicate rejection. It means USCIS requires clearer documentation to continue processing the petition.

Why USCIS Requests Credential Evaluations

Credential-related RFEs are among the most common in H1B cases. USCIS must ensure that applicants meet the educational requirements of a specialty occupation. When academic records are unclear or when the degree structure differs from U.S. standards, USCIS issues an RFE asking for further evidence.

Common reasons include:

  • Three-year foreign bachelor’s degrees
  • Lack of clarity regarding course content
  • Differences in grading or credit systems
  • Incomplete academic documentation

A professionally prepared credential evaluation addresses these issues by presenting the information in a format USCIS can easily review and understand.

How Expert Opinion Letters Support Immigration Cases

Expert opinion letters complement credential evaluations by providing professional analysis of education, work experience, and job requirements. These letters are written by qualified experts who assess whether an applicant’s background aligns with U.S. immigration standards.

Expert opinion letters help by:

  • Explaining how foreign education compares to U.S. degrees
  • Supporting specialty occupation eligibility
  • Validating the relevance of academic and professional experience
  • Clarifying job duties and required qualifications

When combined with credential evaluations, expert opinion letters directly respond to USCIS concerns raised in RFEs.

Importance of Credential Evaluation for H1B and Employment-Based Visas

Credential evaluations are especially important for H1B visa applicants, where education plays a central role in determining eligibility. USCIS requires proof that the applicant’s degree matches the educational requirements of the offered position.

Credential evaluations assist by:

  • Establishing equivalency to U.S. academic standards
  • Supporting employer job descriptions
  • Strengthening the overall petition package

This is particularly relevant for applicants with three-year degrees or degrees earned outside the United States.

Fast and Affordable Credential Evaluation Services in the USA

Timely response is critical when dealing with immigration RFEs. TheDegreePeople provides fast and affordable foreign credential evaluation and expert opinion letter services designed for U.S. immigration needs. Services focus on accuracy, clarity, and compliance with USCIS expectations.

Applicants can expect:

  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Evaluations prepared by qualified professionals
  • Clear documentation aligned with USCIS requirements
  • Turnaround times suitable for RFE deadlines

Affordable services ensure applicants can respond effectively without unnecessary financial burden.

When to Seek Professional Credential Evaluation Help

Professional credential evaluation services are recommended when:

  • USCIS questions degree equivalency
  • An RFE requests academic clarification
  • A three-year degree requires U.S. equivalency
  • Previous documentation was considered insufficient

Seeking professional assistance early helps reduce delays and improves the quality of the response submitted to USCIS.

Cost of Foreign Credential Evaluation and Expert Opinion Letters

The cost of credential evaluations and expert opinion letters depends on case complexity and documentation requirements.

Typical pricing includes:

  • Credential evaluations: approximately $500–$1000
  • Expert opinion letters for complex cases: approximately $600–$1200

These costs reflect the level of academic review, analysis, and documentation preparation required for immigration cases.

Steps to Reduce Credential-Related RFEs

Applicants can reduce the risk of RFEs by:

  • Submitting complete academic records
  • Obtaining credential evaluations early
  • Ensuring education aligns with job requirements
  • Including expert analysis where needed

Proper preparation strengthens immigration petitions and helps avoid delays.

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.

Fast and Affordable Foreign Credential Evaluation for US Immigration in USA: Get Expert Help Today Read More »

Conquer H-1B RFEs with Sheila Danzig’s Expert Credential Solutions

Credential Evaluation, Visa Approvals

Securing an H-1B visa often involves responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by USCIS, which seek additional proof of an applicant’s qualifications and the specialty nature of their role. Sheila Danzig, director of Career Consulting International (CCI) and founder of TheDegreePeople.com, specializes in credential evaluation services that transform RFE challenges into approvals.

H-1B RFEs: Common Triggers and Essentials

The H-1B program permits U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. USCIS issues RFEs when submitted applications leave questions about degree U.S. equivalency, specialty occupation criteria, or the employer-employee relationship. Promptly addressing each point with clear, documented evidence is critical to avoid processing delays or denials.​

Sheila Danzig’s Credential Evaluation Expertise

Through TheDegreePeople.com, Sheila Danzig leads a team that conducts comprehensive reviews of international academic credentials and professional experience to meet USCIS standards. By converting foreign degrees into accurate U.S. equivalents and detailing job-role requirements, her evaluations eliminate ambiguity about an applicant’s qualifications.

Proactive Strategies for RFE Responses

Sheila Danzig recommends a systematic approach to RFE replies:

  • Verify Degree Equivalency: Obtain formal evaluations demonstrating that foreign credentials meet or exceed U.S. bachelor’s degree standards.
  • Expert Opinion Letters: Secure letters from industry authorities validating that job duties align with specialty occupation requirements.
  • Define Job Scope Clearly: Present detailed job descriptions showing how the applicant’s skills and education are essential to the role.
  • Confirm Employer Control: Supply evidence—such as project contracts and supervisory documentation—affirming the employer-employee relationship, especially for third-party placements.

Proven Impact and Client Outcomes

Clients of TheDegreePeople.com frequently report successful RFE resolutions and timely visa approvals thanks to Sheila Danzig’s in-depth analyses and strategic guidance. Her precise, evidence-focused methodology ensures that every RFE response directly addresses USCIS concerns, strengthening applications and improving approval odds.

Navigating an RFE can feel daunting, but with Sheila Danzig’s specialized credential solutions at TheDegreePeople.com, you gain the clarity and confidence needed to turn requests for additional evidence into successful H-1B outcomes.

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.

Conquer H-1B RFEs with Sheila Danzig’s Expert Credential Solutions Read More »

StatueofLibertyCloseup

How TheDegreePeople.com Simplifies RFE Responses for Foreign Credential Evaluations

Credential Evaluation

Responding to an H-1B Request for Evidence can feel overwhelming, especially when the issue involves foreign academic credentials. USCIS often asks for clarification about degree equivalency, institutional recognition, or coursework details. These requests require accuracy and clear documentation, and this is where TheDegreePeople.com stands out.

TheDegreePeople.com has built a strong reputation for providing precise evaluations that meet USCIS standards. Their team carefully analyzes each case to determine what type of evaluation is needed. Some applications only require a document by document evaluation, which outlines how a foreign degree compares to a U.S. degree. Others need a course by course evaluation that breaks down classes, credits, and academic content. This detailed level is vital for licensing cases or highly specialized positions.

When an RFE arrives, TheDegreePeople.com reviews it line by line to understand exactly what USCIS is questioning. Their process includes examining the academic documents, addressing every point raised, and preparing well supported explanations that clearly show how the foreign education aligns with U.S. standards. They also work with urgency, knowing USCIS deadlines cannot be missed.

Their experience with a wide range of cases gives them insight into what USCIS expects and how to avoid common mistakes. Clients benefit from close attention to detail and an evaluation approach built around accuracy and clarity. TheDegreePeople.com’s strong approval record reflects the consistency of their work and the value they provide to clients dealing with RFEs.

One example is Harry, a British electrical engineer whose background included an apprenticeship completed nearly two decades earlier. USCIS questioned whether this training met degree requirements. TheDegreePeople.com evaluated his apprenticeship along with his extensive work history and established that together they equated to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. With this evaluation, Harry’s H-1B petition was approved and he was able to continue his career in the United States.

Handling RFEs for foreign academic credentials requires accuracy, experience, and strong understanding of educational standards. TheDegreePeople.com continues to support clients through these challenges by providing evaluations that address USCIS requirements clearly and effectively, helping applicants move forward with confidence.

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.

How TheDegreePeople.com Simplifies RFE Responses for Foreign Credential Evaluations Read More »

Credential Fraud Alert: How TheDegreePeople.com Protects Your Academic Integrity

Credential Evaluation

Academic credential fraud threatens the foundation of professional trust across industries worldwide. As sophisticated forgery techniques evolve, employers and educational institutions face increasing challenges distinguishing authentic qualifications from fraudulent documents. TheDegreePeople.com has emerged as the leading defense against this growing threat through comprehensive verification processes and advanced detection capabilities.

Advanced Fraud Detection Methods

TheDegreePeople.com employs rigorous examination protocols that scrutinize every aspect of educational documentation. Their systematic approach identifies inconsistencies, verifies institutional authenticity, and confirms academic achievement legitimacy. This thorough process protects employers from hiring decisions based on false credentials while safeguarding educational institutions from fraudulent admission applications.

Collaborative Industry Defense

Beyond individual verification services, TheDegreePeople.com actively partners with educational institutions and employers to strengthen collective defenses against credential fraud. This collaborative approach shares critical intelligence about emerging fraud patterns and develops innovative detection strategies. Such partnerships create comprehensive protection networks that benefit entire industries and professional communities.

Protecting Professional Standards

The impact of TheDegreePeople.com’s anti-fraud efforts extends throughout the professional landscape, ensuring that academic credentials maintain their value as reliable indicators of knowledge and competency. Employers can confidently make hiring decisions knowing that presented qualifications have undergone rigorous authentication processes. Educational institutions benefit from enhanced admission integrity, protecting their academic reputation and standards.

Commitment to Excellence

TheDegreePeople.com’s dedication to combating credential fraud reflects their broader commitment to maintaining trust in academic achievement recognition. Their comprehensive verification measures ensure that genuine educational accomplishments receive proper recognition while preventing fraudulent credentials from undermining professional integrity. This commitment makes TheDegreePeople.com an essential partner for organizations requiring authentic credential verification services.​

Through continued innovation and industry collaboration, TheDegreePeople.com remains at the forefront of credential fraud prevention, protecting the integrity of academic qualifications across all professional sectors.

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 Fraud Alert: How TheDegreePeople.com Protects Your Academic Integrity Read More »

United-states-of-America flag

Document-by-Document vs. Course-by-Course: Choosing the Right Credential Evaluation

Credential Evaluation

TheDegreePeople.com stands as a leader in foreign credential evaluations, providing essential insights into selecting the appropriate evaluation type for immigration, employment, or academic purposes. Understanding the distinction between document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations ensures compliance with USCIS standards and maximizes success in visa applications or educational pursuits.​

Document-by-Document Evaluations

This evaluation type verifies the authenticity of academic credentials and provides general equivalency information. Document-by-document evaluations detail each diploma or certificate, along with its U.S. equivalent and the accreditation status of the issuing institution. This type of evaluation typically proves adequate for immigration purposes, employment, and occasionally for licensing requirements.

TheDegreePeople.com excels in providing these evaluations with precision and attention to detail. The process involves examining foreign degrees and determining their U.S. equivalency without breaking down individual courses or credit hours. This approach offers a streamlined assessment that meets most basic requirements for visa applications and employment verification.​

Course-by-Course Evaluations

Course-by-course evaluations offer detailed breakdowns of foreign education into specific courses and credits, creating precise comparisons to U.S. coursework. This comprehensive analysis includes grades, credits, and their U.S. equivalents. The detailed information proves essential for applications requiring thorough understanding of educational backgrounds, particularly for professional licensing or specialized positions.​

TheDegreePeople.com provides these comprehensive evaluations when circumstances demand granular analysis of academic qualifications. The process involves detailed examination of coursework, converting each course to its U.S. equivalent, making it essential for academic admissions and professional licensing scenarios.​

Strategic Selection Process

A crucial element of foreign credential evaluations involves selecting the appropriate evaluation type for each situation. TheDegreePeople.com excels in guiding clients through options between these two evaluation methods. The selection depends on the specific requirements of the intended use, whether for immigration, employment, or educational purposes.

For employment-based visa applications, document-by-document evaluations often provide sufficient information to meet USCIS requirements. However, specialized positions or professional licensing may require the detailed analysis that course-by-course evaluations provide.

Quality and Accuracy Standards

TheDegreePeople.com maintains the highest standards for precision and USCIS compliance in all evaluations. Their extensive case experience provides unique insights into common issues and best practices. The team offers individual attention to each case, understanding that every client presents unique circumstances.

Foreign credential evaluation plays a pivotal role for individuals educated outside the U.S. who seek employment or wish to continue their education within the country. TheDegreePeople.com aims to clarify common misconceptions surrounding the evaluation of international credentials, ensuring that the process is both understood and accessible to all.​

Professional Expertise and Recognition

TheDegreePeople.com prides itself on being a trusted member of recognized associations, ensuring reliable and respected evaluation reports. While most credential evaluation services adhere to ethical standards and are affiliated with recognized boards, results can vary between companies. It remains crucial to research and select a service that is not only reputable but also recognized by the appropriate educational and professional bodies.

The team understands that credential evaluation services do not issue new diplomas or transcripts. Instead, they provide a credential evaluation report, which assesses whether an individual’s foreign education is equivalent to U.S. standards. This clarification proves vital for both applicants and institutions relying on these evaluations.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations requires careful consideration of specific needs and requirements. TheDegreePeople.com excels at guiding clients through this decision-making process, understanding the importance of selecting the appropriate evaluation type. Their expertise ensures that academic credentials are accurately and effectively translated into their U.S. equivalents.

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.

Document-by-Document vs. Course-by-Course: Choosing the Right Credential Evaluation Read More »

Common Education H-1B RFEs and How to Prevent Them

Credential Evaluation, immigration

To be eligible for H-1B status, a beneficiary must hold a US bachelor’s degree or higher or its equivalent in the field of the H-1B job.  Beneficiaries run into education issues when the beneficiary does not have the required US degree in the exact field of the H-1B job and does not clearly show USCIS they have the educational equivalence in terms of US educational standards.

If USCIS sees the following educational situations, it will raise a big red flag:

  • Foreign degree
  • Three-year bachelor’s degree
  • Degree in a major that is different from the H-1B job
  • Generalized degree
  • Incomplete college
  • No college
  • Credentials from an unaccredited institution

To address these situations, you must show 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 US bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of the job.  This must be a detailed evaluation written uniquely to address the situation.  This means a detailed evaluation of courses taken, evaluation of academic value of any professional or other non-collegiate training, and/or a work experience conversion. 

Work experience conversions are common ways to surmount educational hurdles because USCIS accepts that three years of progressive work experience in the field of the H-1B job is the equivalent of 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 provably more complex 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 is why we work with such professors when writing H-1B credential evaluations.

Of course, the easiest way to answer and RFE is to avoid it in the first place.  Whether you have already filed or are just finishing up your petition, don’t forget to include a credential evaluation to fill in any gaps between the education the beneficiary has and the education your beneficiary needs for visa approval.

For a free review of your case visit www.ccifree.com.  We will respond in 4 hours or less.

Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig is the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com.  Sheila specializes in overturning RFEs and Denials for work visas.

Common Education H-1B RFEs and How to Prevent Them Read More »

RFE Alert: How to Answer the Double H-1B RFE

Credential Evaluation, immigration, Visa Approvals

The fight against the proposed final rule that would give preference to H-1B applicants with the highest wages is heating up.  The American Immigration Lawyer’s Association is representing five nonprofits from tech and medical industries to sue the Biden Administration to block this rule from being finalized. 

What does that mean for those filing H-1B cap-subject petitions this summer?  We anticipate seeing an onslaught of Double RFEs.  These RFEs raise specialty occupation and wage level requirement issues.  H-1B beneficiaries making level one wages are particularly vulnerable to this RFE.

Here is how it works:

First, USCIS assumes that because the H-1B employee’s pay is set at level one wages the position is entry level.  Since many entry-level positions H-1B employees are hired for normally – but not ALWAYS – have a minimum bachelor’s degree educational requirement, USCIS will take issue with the job meeting specialty occupation eligibility requirements.  If the position is not entry level, USCIS will circle back around to wage level issues in that the H-1B requirement that the employee be paid the prevailing wage for the job may not be met.  This is the logic loop that causes the Double RFE.

There are two main problems with USCIS’ reasoning for this RFE: 1) Level one wages does not necessarily mean the job is entry level.  Many factors go into setting an employee’s starting wage.  2) H-1B eligibility requirements state that a job is a specialty occupation if it normally requires a bachelor’s degree minimum to perform.  In recent years, USCIS has been adjudicating normally as always, effectively making the exception the norm when applied to visa approval.

The best way to prevent or answer a Double RFE is with an expert opinion letter that addresses both issues.  The expert must have at least a decade of experience working directly in the field of the H-1B job and have a leadership role within the field.  Ideally, this expert has made hiring decisions regarding the H-1B position in question along with supporting roles to have a clear understanding of the credentials and experience an employee must have to perform the job.  The more information you can provide the expert about the employer, past hiring practices, parallel positions at similar companies within the industry, and the job itself the more compelling the letter will be for USCIS to approve the visa.

At CCI TheDegreePeople.com we work with experts in all H-1B fields.  They have experience writing letters to address Double RFE issues as we always keep an eye on USCIS approval trends.

For a free review of your case visit www.ccifree.com.  We will respond in 4 hours or less.

Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig is the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com.  Sheila specializes in overturning RFEs and Denials for work visas.

RFE Alert: How to Answer the Double H-1B RFE Read More »

Case Study: Indian Three-Year Degree H-1B RFE Overturned!

Case Studies, Credential Evaluation, immigration

Case Study: Indian Three-Year Degree H-1B RFE Overturned!

A recurring RFE we see every year with H-1B candidates is the education RFE for the Indian three-year bachelor’s degree.  Candidates who do not submit credential evaluations that account for the missing fourth year of education with their initial petition get RFEs about it this time of year.

Graduate schools commonly accept the Indian three-year bachelor’s degree as an acceptable prerequisite to their programs, and employers will hire employees to specialty occupations with this credential.  International trade and labor agreements recognize the Indian three-year bachelor’s degree as the functional equivalency of a US four-year bachelor’s degree.  The number of actual classroom contact hours and college credit hours in an Indian three-year degree is equal to or greater than the 120 college credit hours that make up the US four-year bachelor’s degree.  For all of these reasons, H-1B candidates and their teams overlook the persistent USCIS approval trend of NOT APPROVING beneficiaries with just this credential.

The best way to both prevent and answer this RFE is to include a detailed credential evaluation that accounts for the missing fourth year of education.  Regardless of how many college credit hours this three-year program actually has, USCIS is hung up on that missing fourth year, and USCIS is the gatekeeper of your visa, or your employee or client’s visa.

At CCI TheDegreePeople.com, we rely on the work experience conversion option in these credential evaluations to account for the missing fourth year.  USCIS accepts that three years of progressive work experience in the field of the H-1B job is the equivalent to one year of college credit in that major.  You must prove that you, or your employee or client took on progressively more responsibility as time went on, and that the nature of the work increased in complexity.  Then, one of our professors at TheDegreePeople.com with the authority to issue college credit for work experience, will write this conversion and it will be included in the credential evaluation.  This evaluation will show USCIS that you DO have, or your employee or client DOES have the academic equivalent of a US four-year bachelor’s degree in the field of the H-1B job.

If you have, or if your employee or client has an education RFE for an Indian three-year bachelor’s degree, we can help get it overturned.  For a free consultation, visit ccifree.com/.  We will get back to you in 48 hours or less.

Case Study: Indian Three-Year Degree H-1B RFE Overturned! Read More »

What to Expect and When to Expect it this H-1B Adjudication Season

Credential Evaluation, immigration, Visa Approvals

What to Expect and When to Expect it this H-1B Adjudication Season

USCIS has completed selecting the 85,000 H-1B petitions to be adjudicated for approval for cap-subject petitions for FY 2020.


Those selected that filed for premium processing may begin receiving notice this week as to their approval status with the anticipated date of completion set at June 4th. Case adjudication for those who did not file under premium processing will begin early to mid-June and often takes months. Last year, adjudication for FY 2019 – which began October 1st, 2018 – extended into the 2019 calendar year.


If you are unsure of whether or not your case was selected, check the account activity on the account of the check written for the H-1B processing fee. If it has been cashed, your case was selected in the lottery.


When notice arrives of the status of the case, do not be alarmed if you receive an RFE or Denial. This is NOT the end of the road. Over the past few years the prevalence of H-1B RFEs spiked, especially for beneficiaries working entry-level positions, working as computer programmers, and working at wage level one. This year, USCIS adjudicators have been given the authority and encouragement to deny petitions outright without first issuing an RFE. This may lead to a spike in Denials instead of RFEs. Either way, they are possible to overturn and get the visa approved in time to get to work for FY 2020.


If you expect an RFE or Denial is coming this H-1B adjudication season, you can better prepare to defend your case, or your employee or client’s case. You will need a detailed credential evaluation that takes the job, the visa, USCIS approval trends, and any issues found in the case into consideration. You will also need documentation that details the demands, duties, tasks, and responsibilities of the job, and a detailed breakdown of employer and industry hiring practices with regards to minimum qualifications for the position in question. Finally, you will need an expert who works IN THE FIELD rather than just teaches it to write an opinion letter that ties the evidence you have provided together. First and foremost, however, you will need to take an honest look at your case, or your employee or client’s case and identify what might attract scrutiny by USCIS that could result in a visa Denial.


At TheDegreePeople.com, we work with RFEs and Denials every year. We understand what triggers them and we know how to successfully respond to them. For a free review of your case, or your employee or client’s case visit ccifree.com/. We will get back to you in 48 hours or less.

What to Expect and When to Expect it this H-1B Adjudication Season Read More »

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