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Over one in four H1B petitions receive and RFE, which is a drastic increase from just less than ten years ago, but not a new trend for the past few years. The number of H1B petitions filed has skyrocketed while the number of annual visas available has remained the same. At the same time, CIS trends regarding education for this visa have become much more strict. H1B filing season is over. That means now it is RFE season.

The first step is to understand what documentation the RFE is asking you, your employee, or your client to provide, and the second step is to understand the questions CIS is seeking to answer in requesting this particular evidence. If you, your employee, or your client has received an RFE, don’t panic. This is an opportunity to strengthen the case. Below are four common RFEs you need to know about.

1. Degree does not match the job.
In the past, CIS has approved visas for beneficiaries who had degrees in fields relating to but not precisely matching their job titles. In fact, employers regularly hire workers with degrees in related fields because the specialized knowledge and skill set required for the job are taught in certain related fields. However, CIS trends regarding this have changed in the past six or seven years, and now we are seeing RFEs for petitions that would have been approved before. Another reason you’re your employee, or your client may have received this kind of RFE is that they hold a generalized degree. CIS requirements state that a generalized degree without experience in the field is insufficient for H1B visa approval. If this is the situation, a credential evaluator can take a close look at the course content of the education and convert classroom contact hours in the field into college credit that count towards a specialized major in the correct field. CIS will also accept years of progressive work experience in the field counted towards a major in the field. An authorized credential evaluator can convert three years of progressive work experience — meaning your client took on more and more responsibility as time progressed on the job — to one year of college credit in the field. These conversions will fill in the gap between your education, or your employee’s or client’s education and the H1B job that trigger this kind of RFE.

2. Specialty Occupation
If it is not clear to CIS that your job of the job of your client or employee is a specialty occupation — one that requires a minimum of US bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent — this is the kind of RFE that will be issued. To answer this RFE, you must prove that the job requires specialized skills and knowledge to perform that only comes once a certain level of education and experience is met. How can you do this? CIS will typically ask for the ad the job that indicates the minimum requirements necessary to perform. Include ads for similar jobs in similar industries to show that this level of education is necessary for this kind of job in this kind of industry and that this particular job was not tailored to meet the visa requirements of you, your employee, or your client. If this particular job DOES require an unusual level of expertise due to the nature of the company, provide an expert opinion letter and documentation showing why this job in particular requires an advanced degree.

3. Difficult Degrees
Some degrees do not have a clear US equivalency, especially degrees that do not call themselves degrees. For example, the Chartered Accountancy Certificate from India can actually be evaluated to be the equivalency of a US bachelor’s degree in accounting because the steps in education require post-secondary equivalencies. At the same time, the US CPA and the Canadian Chartered Accountancy certificate are not bachelor degree equivalencies. This is confusing and needs extreme clarification when presented to CIS. For this reason, degrees such as this one are often met with RFEs. Sometimes, specialty occupations simply do not have degrees that clearly fit their field, such as Computer Systems Analyst. So many RFEs have been issued for H1B candidates with this job because it is unclear what degree fits this very specialized, very specific occupation. If your, your employee, or your client has a difficult degree, or a job that does not have a clear field specialization in terms of college majors, talk to a credential evaluator with an in depth understanding of international education. This kind of evaluator will know which degree to reference for the equivalency, and the steps in education required to earn a certificate in the country the certificate or degree was earned in.

4. Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree
One of the most common triggers for H1B RFEs is an Indian three-year bachelor’s degree. While these degrees tend to have more classroom contact hours than US four-year bachelor’s degrees, CIS requires the missing fourth year to be accounted for in order to accept the equivalency to a US four-year bachelor’s degree. If you, your employee, or your client is in this situation, talk to a credential evaluator about the candidate’s education and work experience. Three years of progressive work experience can be converted into one year of college credit in the field to account for the missing fourth year. If you, your employee, or your client has a three-year bachelor’s degree, NEVER file without this kind of credential evaluation. It will almost ALWAYS receive an RFE without one.

If you, your client, or your employee receives an RFE for an education or occupation-related situation, talk to a credential evaluator with extensive experience working with difficult cases, RFEs, NOIDs, and Denials. As evaluators who see these kinds of cases day in and day out, we understand what triggers them, what questions CIS seeks to answer in issuing them, and how to answer them. We do not charge to review your case before your file, or if you get an RFE or Denial. As an evaluation agency with international education experts on staff, we have a clear understanding of CIS trends as well as being aware of creative ways to successfully address even the most complicated RFEs.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

In Credential fraud is a growing concern in the academic and professional sectors, undermining the integrity of genuine qualifications. TheDegreePeople.com has emerged as a key player in addressing this issue through rigorous credential verification processes.

Stringent Verification Measures

TheDegreePeople.com employs advanced techniques to scrutinize academic records meticulously. Their comprehensive approach ensures that only legitimate qualifications are recognized, protecting the credibility of educational and professional credentials. This involves cross-checking documents against official records and databases to confirm their authenticity.

Collaboration with Institutions and Employers

Collaboration is a cornerstone of TheDegreePeople.com’s strategy. They work closely with educational institutions and employers to share best practices and enhance defenses against credential fraud. This partnership is essential in combating sophisticated fraud techniques and ensuring a unified approach to maintaining credential integrity.

Impact on the Academic and Professional Landscape

The organization’s efforts provide significant reassurance to employers and educational institutions. By guaranteeing that qualifications have been thoroughly vetted, TheDegreePeople.com helps maintain trust in the academic and professional qualifications that individuals present. This assurance is crucial in an environment where the authenticity of credentials is frequently questioned.

Comprehensive Services

TheDegreePeople.com offers a range of services, including the evaluation of international credentials, ensuring they meet the standards required by institutions and employers. Their services extend to verifying secondary and post-secondary education qualifications, ensuring a holistic approach to credential validation.

Commitment to Excellence

TheDegreePeople.com is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in credential evaluation. Their commitment to thorough and precise verification processes highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of educational and professional qualifications. This dedication helps safeguard the value of genuine achievements and ensures that they are appropriately recognized.

Addressing Credential Fraud

By providing thorough and accurate credential evaluations, TheDegreePeople.com is helping to put an end to these scams. Whether you have a credential evaluation completed by our experts or someone else, make sure it’s a reliable agency with years of experience and a sterling reputation. Too many people don’t realize that there’s no regulatory agency for credential evaluators. Most companies won’t even require that their evaluators have an advanced degree. At TheDegreePeople.com, we guarantee that your evaluator will be highly trained, reliable, and experienced. We are proud to offer our services to help eliminate the scams and provide you with accurate, detailed information about your degree.

When you’re seeking an agency to evaluate your academic credentials, look no further than TheDegreePeople.com. We provide fast, accurate, and thorough credential evaluations and expert advice to meet your academic and professional needs.

Free Case Review and Expert Leadership

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

What is an H-1B Expert Opinion Letter?

An H-1B Expert Opinion Letter from TheDegreePeople.com, led by Sheila Danzig, is essential for addressing USCIS specialty occupation requirements related to a job position and/or the qualifications of the beneficiary.

This Expert Opinion Letter from TheDegreePeople.com can assist USCIS agents in determining: (i) whether the position meets the specialty occupation criteria required for an H-1B visa, and (ii) whether or how the candidate’s credentials align with the requirements of the offered position. Learn more about specialty occupation requirements here.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

In the complex landscape of international education and employment, navigating the intricacies of credential evaluations can be daunting. Sheila Danzig, the director of Career Consulting International (CCI) and founder of TheDegreePeople.com, stands as a beacon of expertise and reliability in this field. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved, Sheila has helped countless individuals and organizations successfully resolve their credential evaluation needs, particularly…

One of the most critical aspects of credential evaluations is understanding the difference between document-by-document and course-by-course evaluations. Each serves a unique purpose and selecting the right type is essential for ensuring that academic credentials are accurately and effectively translated into U.S. equivalencies.

Document-by-Document Evaluation
A document-by-document evaluation provides a general overview of the educational credentials. It lists each diploma or certificate, along with the U.S. equivalent for the degree and the institution’s accreditation status. This type of evaluation is typically sufficient for immigration purposes, employment, and in some cases, licensing.

Key Features:

• Lists diplomas and certificates.
• Provides U.S. equivalents.
• Indicates institution accreditation.
• Suitable for immigration and employment purposes.

Course-by-Course Evaluation
In contrast, a course-by-course evaluation offers a detailed analysis of each course taken, including grades, credits, and the U.S. equivalent for each course. This comprehensive evaluation is often required for educational admissions, professional licensure, and certain employment scenarios where a detailed understanding of the coursework is necessary.

Key Features:

• Detailed course analysis.
• Includes grades and credits.
• U.S. equivalents for each course.
• Required for educational admissions and professional licensure.

Choosing the Right Evaluation
Sheila Danzig and her team at TheDegreePeople.com are adept at guiding clients through the decision-making process. They understand that selecting the appropriate evaluation type is crucial for meeting specific goals, whether for visa applications, academic pursuits, or professional licensure.

For example, H-1B visa applicants often require a course-by-course evaluation to demonstrate that their foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree in a specialty occupation. Sheila’s expertise ensures that these evaluations are meticulously prepared, meeting the stringent requirements of immigration authorities and enhancing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Why Choose TheDegreePeople.com?
Sheila Danzig’s leadership and her team’s meticulous approach have positioned TheDegreePeople.com as a trusted resource for credential evaluations. Their services are characterized by:

• Personalized Guidance: Tailored advice to ensure the right type of evaluation.
• Detailed and Accurate Evaluations: High standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Responsive Customer Service: Prompt and supportive assistance throughout the evaluation process.
• Proven Track Record: A history of successful evaluations for diverse clients.

By choosing TheDegreePeople.com, clients benefit from Sheila Danzig’s extensive knowledge and commitment to excellence, ensuring their educational credentials are accurately evaluated and effectively presented. Whether you need a document-by-document or course-by-course evaluation, Sheila and her team are here to help you achieve your goals.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

Navigating the complexities of immigration and work visas often requires proving that one’s qualifications match a U.S. degree. Sheila Danzig, owner of TheDegreePeople.com, excels in this area through her specialized work experience evaluations. With a deep understanding of the process and a dedication to her clients, Sheila has become a respected figure in the field.

The Role of Work Experience Evaluations

For individuals lacking formal academic degrees but possessing extensive professional experience, work experience evaluations are crucial. This process converts significant work experience into academic equivalency, enabling individuals to meet the educational criteria required for work visas.

Sheila Danzig’s Unique Approach

Sheila Danzig’s method at TheDegreePeople.com involves a comprehensive review of an individual’s professional history. Each year of relevant work experience is meticulously translated into academic credit, adhering to the standard that three years of specialized work experience equate to one year of college-level education.

Why TheDegreePeople.com Stands Out

Sheila’s extensive experience ensures precise and credible evaluations tailored to meet specific immigration requirements. Her personalized service involves close collaboration with clients to gather detailed work histories, ensuring every aspect of their professional experience is accurately reflected.

The evaluations provided by TheDegreePeople.com are comprehensive, including detailed reports essential for immigration petitions. The high success rate of these evaluations underscores Sheila’s expertise, helping many individuals secure the work visas needed to advance their careers in the U.S.

Impactful Success Stories

A notable success story involves a software engineer from India with over a decade of experience but no formal degree. Sheila’s detailed evaluation demonstrated the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, playing a crucial role in securing an H-1B visa and allowing the individual to contribute to a leading U.S. tech company.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing realm of immigration, Sheila Danzig’s expertise in work experience evaluations provides invaluable support. Her ability to transform professional experience into recognized academic credentials bridges the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring her clients are well-prepared for their immigration journeys.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

In the ever-evolving landscape of immigration, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive to avoid unnecessary setbacks. Recent updates from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) underscore the importance of using the most current immigration forms. Failure to do so can result in the rejection of your application, adding stress and delays to your immigration process.

Sheila Danzig, founder of TheDegreePeople.com, emphasizes the importance of diligence in this matter. “Using outdated forms can derail your entire application process,” Danzig warns. “It’s essential to regularly check the USCIS website for the latest versions of the forms to ensure that your submission is accepted without issue.”

The USCIS periodically updates forms to reflect changes in policy, fees, and procedures. These updates aim to streamline processes and enhance security measures, making it imperative for applicants to use the correct forms. Submitting an outdated form can lead to immediate rejection, requiring you to resubmit with the correct form, thereby delaying your application.

To avoid this, Danzig recommends a few key steps:

1. Regularly Visit the USCIS Website: Ensure you are using the latest versions of the forms by downloading them directly from the USCIS website. This practice minimizes the risk of using outdated forms from third-party sources.

2. Stay Informed About Changes: USCIS announcements regarding form updates are crucial. Subscribing to their alerts or following reputable immigration news sources can help you stay on top of these changes.

3. Double-Check Before Submission: Before sending your application, double-check that every form is the latest version. This extra step can save you time and prevent the frustration of rejections.

4. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with immigration experts or legal advisors who can provide up-to-date information and help ensure your application is complete and accurate.

At TheDegreePeople.com, we understand the complexities of the immigration process and strive to provide valuable insights and support to help you navigate these challenges effectively. By staying informed and prepared, you can significantly enhance your chances of a smooth and successful immigration journey.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

In today’s job market, having the right credentials is crucial. However, the surge in the number of educational programs and certifications has given rise to numerous scams. To help you navigate this complex landscape and avoid falling victim to fraudulent credentials, here are some essential tips from TheDegreePeople.com, guided by insights from Sheila Danzig.

1. Research the Institution Thoroughly
Before enrolling in any educational program, investigate the institution’s reputation. Verify its accreditation status through recognized accrediting bodies, which can often be confirmed via the U.S. Department of Education’s website or other reliable sources. Avoid programs from institutions with dubious or no accreditation.

2. Question Unfamiliar Credentials
If you encounter credentials you’ve never heard of, don’t hesitate to ask the issuing institution or the credential holder for more information. Nate Tsang of WallStreetZen emphasizes the importance of understanding what a credential signifies by directly questioning applicants about their learning experiences.

3. Look Out for Quick Fixes
Beware of programs that promise fast and easy degrees or certificates. Authentic education takes time and effort. If a program claims you can earn a credential in an unrealistically short time frame with little effort, it’s likely a scam.

4. Verify the Credential’s Authenticity
Use services like Credential Engine, which aims to catalog and verify educational credentials. Although it has only catalogued a small percentage of the millions of credentials out there, it can still be a valuable resource for checking the legitimacy of a program.

5. Consult Reliable Reviews and Testimonials
Look for reviews and testimonials from reputable sources. Websites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot can provide insights into the experiences of other individuals. Be wary if you find many negative reviews or consistent complaints about a particular credential.

6. Understand the Cost Structure
Legitimate programs will have transparent pricing structures. Be cautious of those demanding large upfront payments or those with hidden fees. Clear and detailed financial information is a hallmark of reputable educational programs.

7. Check for Government Warnings
Government agencies sometimes issue warnings about fraudulent institutions and scams. Regularly check websites like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection office for any alerts or warnings about educational scams.

8. Seek Employer and Industry Validation
Consult with employers or industry professionals to ensure that the credential is recognized and valued within your field. This can save you from investing in a program that won’t benefit your career.

9. Be Skeptical of Flashy Advertising
Scammers often use aggressive and flashy advertising to lure victims. If you see advertisements that seem too good to be true, investigate further before making any commitments. Remember, legitimate educational programs rely on their reputation more than on marketing gimmicks.

10. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about a program or institution, trust your instincts and take the time to investigate further. It’s better to be cautious than to fall for a scam.

Conclusion

Education credential certificate scams can have serious consequences, but by following these tips from TheDegreePeople.com and Sheila Danzig, you can protect yourself from fraudulent schemes. Always conduct thorough research, verify the legitimacy of the programs, and be vigilant about any red flags. Your diligence will ensure that the credentials you pursue are valuable and respected in your professional journey.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

Sheila Danzig of TheDegreePeople.com provides crucial advice for managing I-140 Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Key tips include understanding RFE requirements, organizing responses clearly, gathering complete supporting documents, ensuring accuracy, and seeking expert help. Following these guidelines can improve the chances of a successful petition.

Handling an I-140 Request for Evidence (RFE) can be challenging, but Sheila Danzig of TheDegreePeople.com offers expert advice to navigate this process effectively.

Understand the RFE: 
Carefully read the RFE notice to comprehend what additional information or documentation is required. Knowing exactly what is being requested is crucial for a thorough and accurate response.

Organize Your Response: 
Structure your response in a clear and organized manner. Include a cover letter that outlines the contents of your response package and addresses each point raised in the RFE.

Gather Supporting Evidence:
Collect all necessary documents that support your case. This may include employment verification letters, educational credentials, proof of work experience, and any other relevant evidence.

Be Thorough and Accurate:
Ensure that all provided information is accurate and complete. Inaccuracies or missing information can lead to further delays or a denial of your petition.

Seek Expert Help: 
In addition to consulting with immigration experts or attorneys who specialize in I-140 petitions contact a foriegn credential evaluation service that can provide needed documentation to support your case. 

Sheila Danzig of CCI / TheDegreePeople.com will review your case at no charge to either prevent or overturn an RFE.

This expertise can be invaluable in ensuring your response is comprehensive and compelling.

Highlight Critical Points:
Emphasize the key elements of your petition that demonstrate your qualifications and the merits of your case. Make it easy for the reviewer to see why your petition should be approved.

Meet the Deadline:
Submit your response well before the deadline provided in the RFE notice. Timely submission is essential to avoid any negative impact on your petition.

Follow Up:
After submitting your response, monitor the status of your petition. If you do not receive a timely update, consider following up with the USCIS for a status check. By following these tips from Sheila Danzig of TheDegreePeople.com, you can improve your chances of successfully addressing an I-140 RFE and moving forward with your immigration process.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

Mistake #1: Not knowing the business of your law firm.
The business of your law firm is to sell legal services. Nothing else. This is not the same as your job as a lawyer. Your job as a lawyer maybe to protect your clients rights, make your client’s happy, etc. But the business of your firm is to sell legal services and if you fail to do that, you will not have a law firm in time. I mention this because lawyers do not like to think of their firm as a “business” but it is. Some think of that as “unprofessional” likely started because in the past lawyers were not allowed to advertise at all. But that was then and this is now. You have as much of an obligation to take care of your family’s financial needs as you do to take care of your client’s legal needs. Do your best job as a lawyer but keep your eye on the fact that your firm is a business.

Mistake #2: Doing What the Big Firms Do.
There are firms with so much money that they can spend huge amounts of money on advertising. Don’t think for one moment this means they are getting a profitable return on their investment or that they even know if they are. Most lawyers just do what everyone else is doing even though it generally does not work. Learn what works and copy that.

Mistake# 3: Have Your Business Meetings Over Lunch.
Restaurants are distracting and not the best place to meet with a client. Your office is the best place to meet with a potential client. It is professional and allows you to pull up files or other information instead of having to tell them that you will get back to them. Restaurants also lack privacy. You don’t want to discuss matters that can be overheard.

Mistake#4: Forget That Your First Job as a Lawyer is to do a Great Job Taking Care of Your Clients.
I don’t care how big a stream of new clients you have, if you don’t do a great job it will dry up. Your most important job is to do a great job. Overall in business (and your law firm is a business) it costs seven times as much to get a new client/customer than to keep an old one. Focus on your clients and keep them happy so that they come back and send their friends and family and other companies to you. Always do your best and it will pay off.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.

Understanding RFEs

An RFE is essentially a request from USCIS for additional information or evidence to support your immigration application. It’s important to note that receiving an RFE doesn’t necessarily mean your application will be denied. Instead, it’s an opportunity for you to provide the necessary documentation to strengthen your case.

RFEs can be triggered by various reasons, including missing documents, incomplete forms, inconsistencies in the provided information, or doubts about the applicant’s eligibility. Understanding the specific reason for the RFE is crucial for crafting an effective response.

How to Respond to an RFE

Responding to an RFE requires careful attention to detail and thoroughness. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tackle it:

1. Read Carefully: Take the time to thoroughly review the RFE and understand the specific information or evidence requested by USCIS. Pay close attention to any deadlines mentioned in the request.

2. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents and evidence to address the concerns raised in the RFE. This may include affidavits, letters of support, financial records, or any other relevant materials. Make sure to organize your documents in a clear and concise manner.

3. Craft a Detailed Response: Write a comprehensive response that directly addresses each point raised in the RFE. Provide clear explanations and supporting evidence to strengthen your case. Be sure to follow USCIS guidelines and format your response accordingly.

4. Seek Professional Assistance: If you’re unsure about how to respond to the RFE or need help gathering evidence, consider seeking assistance from a qualified immigration attorney or consultant. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your response is thorough and effective.

Conclusion

Receiving an RFE can be daunting, but with the right guidance, you can effectively address USCIS concerns.

Let us review your cases at no charge what so ever at www.CCIFree.com

About Sheila Danzig

Sheila Danzig, the director of CCI TheDegreePeople.com, excels in resolving RFEs and denials for work visas, specializing in educational and employment visa challenges.