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Immigration

Is Credential Evaluation Required for H-1B?

Immigration

Credential evaluation is not always legally required for an H-1B petition, but it is often highly recommended when the beneficiary’s degree was earned outside the United States or when USCIS may question whether the education is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in a related specialty. A proper credential evaluation can help reduce confusion, strengthen eligibility evidence, and prevent USCIS RFEs.

Understanding the H-1B Education Requirement (U.S. System Overview)

The H-1B visa is a U.S. employment-based visa designed for specialty occupations, meaning jobs that typically require:

      • A bachelor’s degree or higher

      • In a specific field of study

      • Directly related to the position offered

    USCIS evaluates whether the beneficiary meets the minimum education requirement under U.S. standards. If the degree was earned in the United States, the educational requirement is usually straightforward.

    However, when the degree is earned outside the U.S., USCIS often needs additional clarity on:

        • The degree level equivalency

        • The institution type

        • The program length and structure

        • The field of study and specialization

      This is where credential evaluation becomes relevant.

      What Is a Credential Evaluation?

      A foreign credential evaluation is a professional analysis that explains how an international degree compares to U.S. education standards.

      It typically reviews:

          • Diploma or degree certificate

          • Academic transcripts

          • Program length and academic structure

          • Institutional recognition

          • Coursework relevance (in some cases)

        The purpose is to provide a clear conclusion such as:

            • Equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree

            • Equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree

            • Equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree in [specific field]

          Credential evaluation does not guarantee H-1B approval, but it can help USCIS understand foreign education in a standardized format.

          Is Credential Evaluation Required for H-1B? (Direct Answer)

          In most cases:

          Credential evaluation is not strictly required by law, but USCIS often expects clear evidence that the foreign degree meets U.S. equivalency standards.

          Credential evaluation is commonly needed when:

              • The beneficiary has a foreign degree

              • The degree is from a non-U.S. institution

              • The education system is different from the U.S.

              • The degree is not clearly equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree

              • USCIS has issued education-related RFEs in similar cases

            In practice, many immigration professionals treat credential evaluation For H-1B as a standard part of foreign-degree H-1B preparation.

            Why Credential Evaluation Matters for H-1B Petitions

            1. USCIS Must Confirm Degree Equivalency

            USCIS does not automatically accept foreign degrees as equivalent. Even strong academic programs may not be immediately understood under U.S. standards.

            A credential evaluation helps USCIS answer key questions such as:

                • Is the education equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree?

                • Does the education match the specialty occupation field?

                • Does the academic structure meet U.S. requirements?

              2. Credential Evaluation Can Reduce RFEs

              Education-based RFEs are common in H-1B filings. RFEs may request:

                  • Proof of degree equivalency

                  • Transcript review

                  • Field of study alignment

                  • Additional evidence of specialization

                Submitting a professional evaluation early may reduce uncertainty.

                3. It Helps Present the Case Clearly

                A well-prepared H-1B petition is not just about eligibility. It is also about presentation and clarity. USCIS officers review high volumes of cases. Clear evidence reduces misinterpretation.

                Common H-1B Scenarios Where Credential Evaluation Is Needed

                Foreign Bachelor’s Degree Holders

                If the beneficiary holds a bachelor’s degree earned outside the U.S., USCIS may want confirmation that it equals a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

                Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Cases

                This is one of the most common H-1B credential evaluation issues. Many countries issue three-year degrees that do not immediately match the U.S. four-year bachelor model.

                In these cases, credential evaluation may involve deeper academic analysis.

                Degree and Work Experience Combination Cases

                Some H-1B beneficiaries qualify using a combination of education and professional experience.

                This may require a specialized evaluation method, often supported by expert documentation.

                Degree Field Does Not Match Job Title

                If the degree field is not clearly aligned with the offered job, USCIS may question specialty occupation eligibility.

                A credential evaluation can sometimes clarify academic specialization, but job-duty alignment still matters.

                How USCIS Evaluates Education for H-1B

                USCIS typically reviews:

                    • The degree level (bachelor’s or higher)

                    • The institution’s recognition

                    • The major or field of study

                    • The job requirements and job duties

                    • Consistency across documents

                  USCIS may compare the education to U.S. standards to confirm whether it meets the H-1B “specialty occupation” criteria.

                  USCIS may issue an RFE if:

                      • The degree is unclear

                      • The transcript is missing

                      • The program is shorter than U.S. standards

                      • The field of study seems unrelated

                      • The evidence lacks professional interpretation

                    This is why credential evaluation is frequently used in foreign-degree H-1B petitions.

                    Common Mistakes and Misconceptions About Credential Evaluation for H-1B

                    Mistake #1: Assuming a Foreign Degree Is Automatically Accepted

                    Even legitimate degrees may require explanation. USCIS officers rely on clear documentation and U.S. equivalency language.

                    Mistake #2: Thinking Translation Alone Is Enough

                    A translation explains the language. It does not explain equivalency.

                    USCIS may still ask:

                        • Is this equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree?

                      Mistake #3: Submitting Incomplete Academic Documents

                      Missing transcripts or partial mark sheets can create uncertainty and increase the chance of an RFE.

                      Mistake #4: Waiting Until USCIS Issues an RFE

                      Some petitioners delay evaluation until an RFE is received, which can extend the overall processing timeline.

                      Mistake #5: Confusing Credential Evaluation With Degree Verification

                      Credential evaluation compares academic equivalency. It is not the same as verifying authenticity through a government body.

                      Risks of Not Using Credential Evaluation (When It Is Needed)

                      If USCIS cannot clearly confirm the education requirement, risks may include:

                          • Processing delays

                          • Denial due to insufficient educational proof

                          • Additional documentation requests

                          • Filing complications for future extensions or amendments

                        Not every case will face these issues, but education clarity is one of the most common H-1B review points.

                        How Credential Evaluation Connects to Expert Opinion Letters and RFE Support

                        In more complex cases, credential evaluation may be combined with other supporting documentation such as:

                        Expert Opinion Letters

                        These letters may help explain:

                            • academic specialization

                            • relevance of coursework

                            • work experience equivalency (when applicable)

                            • why the beneficiary meets specialty occupation standards

                          RFE Support Documentation

                          If USCIS issues an RFE, a credential evaluation may be used to strengthen the response by providing:

                              • standardized U.S. equivalency conclusions

                              • professional methodology explanations

                              • structured analysis aligned with immigration expectations

                            For credential evaluation services, this page supports H-1B-related documentation needs:
                            https://www.thedegreepeople.com/foreign-credential-evaluation-usa/

                            When Professional Credential Evaluation May Be Appropriate (Neutral)

                            Credential evaluation may be especially helpful when:

                                • The beneficiary holds a non-U.S. degree

                                • The degree is a three-year bachelor’s program

                                • The case involves multiple diplomas or institutions

                                • The degree is in a different field than the job title

                                • Prior H-1B petitions received RFEs or denials

                                • The employer wants strong documentation upfront

                              This is not legal advice, but a practical compliance approach to avoid avoidable confusion in adjudication.

                              Practical Tips to Strengthen H-1B Education Documentation (Non-Legal Advice)

                              Here are simple preventive steps that can help reduce issues:

                              1. Prepare Complete Academic Documentation

                              Include:

                                  • diploma/degree certificate

                                  • full transcripts

                                  • mark sheets (if applicable)

                                2. Ensure Proper Translation

                                If documents are not in English, use accurate translations with proper certification.

                                3. Keep Consistency Across Forms and Evidence

                                Degree titles, graduation dates, and institution names should match in all submitted documentation.

                                4. Use Credential Evaluation When Equivalency Is Not Obvious

                                If the education system differs from U.S. standards, a clear equivalency report can help.

                                5. Avoid Generic or Unclear Education Claims

                                USCIS prefers structured documentation rather than vague statements.

                                Final Thoughts

                                Credential evaluation is not required for every H-1B petition, but it is often an important tool when foreign education must be clearly explained under U.S. standards. If you are unsure whether your degree meets the H-1B education requirement, a careful credential review can help clarify your options before filing or responding to USCIS requests.

                                For more information on credential evaluation support, you can review:
                                https://www.thedegreepeople.com/foreign-credential-evaluation-usa/

                                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.

                                Is Credential Evaluation Required for H-1B? Read More »

                                Cheap H1B Expert Opinion Letter Service in USA: Save Money on Your Visa RFE Response

                                Immigration, Visa Approvals

                                Receiving an H1B Request for Evidence (RFE) can be stressful, especially when timelines are tight and expenses begin to increase. Many applicants worry that an RFE means their petition is weak. In reality, RFEs are often issued because USCIS needs clearer explanations related to job roles, education, or degree equivalency. This is where expert opinion letters and credential evaluations become important without forcing applicants to spend excessively on legal fees.

                                Choosing a cheap H1B expert opinion letter service in the USA helps applicants respond correctly, meet USCIS expectations, and manage overall visa costs.

                                Why H1B RFEs Are Issued So Often

                                H1B RFEs are common and usually focus on clarity rather than eligibility. USCIS officers review a high volume of petitions, and if any detail appears unclear or incomplete, an RFE is issued to request additional evidence.

                                Common reasons include:

                                • Questions about whether the role qualifies as a specialty occupation
                                • Concerns related to foreign degree equivalency
                                • Three year bachelor’s degrees requiring U.S. equivalency explanation
                                • Job duties that are not described in sufficient detail

                                An RFE is not a denial. It is a request for stronger and clearer documentation.

                                Specialty Occupation RFEs and How Expert Opinion Letters Help

                                Specialty occupation RFEs are one of the most frequent challenges in H1B cases. USCIS may question whether the position genuinely requires specialized knowledge and a specific degree background.

                                An expert opinion letter for an H1B visa helps explain this by:

                                • Connecting job duties directly to academic requirements
                                • Demonstrating how the role depends on specialized education
                                • Showing why the position meets H1B specialty occupation standards

                                When prepared correctly, an expert opinion letter for an H1B RFE answers USCIS concerns in professional and recognizable language.

                                Addressing Degree Equivalency Concerns in H1B RFEs

                                Foreign education is another major reason RFEs are issued. USCIS must confirm that a degree earned outside the United States meets U.S. bachelor’s degree standards, especially when the academic structure is different.

                                A degree equivalency evaluation USA report helps by:

                                • Explaining how foreign education compares to U.S. standards
                                • Clarifying credit systems, coursework, and duration
                                • Supporting eligibility for specialty occupation roles

                                A degree evaluation for H1B petitions reduces confusion and presents academic credentials in a format USCIS understands.

                                Why Affordable H1B Expert Opinion Letter Services Matter

                                Many applicants are concerned about the cost of responding to an RFE. Immigration attorney costs can rise quickly, particularly when multiple documents are required. Affordable expert opinion letter services offer a practical option for academic and professional evaluations without lowering quality.

                                Cheap H1B expert opinion letter services focus on:

                                • Delivering USCIS ready documentation
                                • Supporting H1B RFE response requirements efficiently
                                • Offering low cost immigration help without unnecessary services

                                This approach allows applicants to save money while still submitting a strong response.

                                What a Complete H1B RFE Response Usually Includes

                                A strong H1B RFE response rarely relies on a single document. It usually includes several supporting evaluations that work together to address USCIS questions.

                                These commonly include:

                                • Expert opinion letters for H1B specialty occupation RFEs
                                • Degree equivalency evaluation USA reports
                                • Academic credential evaluation services
                                • Job description validation support

                                When combined properly, these documents form a clear and organized response.

                                When It Makes Sense to Use a Cheap H1B Expert Opinion Letter Service

                                Professional evaluation services are recommended when:

                                • USCIS questions specialty occupation eligibility
                                • A foreign degree requires U.S. equivalency clarification
                                • An RFE specifically requests expert validation
                                • Previous documentation was considered insufficient

                                Using affordable services early often helps avoid repeat RFEs and delays.

                                Credential Evaluation Cost and Expert Opinion Letter Pricing

                                Pricing depends on the complexity of the case and the level of review required. Transparent pricing allows applicants to plan without surprises.

                                Typical ranges include:

                                • Expert opinion letter for H1B RFE costing approximately $600 to $1200
                                • Degree equivalency evaluation USA costing approximately $500 to $1000

                                These services focus on accuracy, compliance, and clarity, which are critical for USCIS review.

                                Practical Steps to Reduce Future H1B RFEs

                                While RFEs cannot always be avoided, preparation can reduce risk:

                                • Clearly define job duties and required qualifications
                                • Submit complete academic transcripts and degree documents
                                • Obtain credential evaluations early
                                • Include expert opinion letters when eligibility may be questioned

                                Well prepared petitions are easier for USCIS officers to evaluate.

                                Affordable H1B RFE Help in the USA

                                Fast and affordable H1B RFE response services help applicants meet deadlines with less stress. Cheap expert opinion letter services combined with credential evaluations provide a cost effective way to strengthen visa petitions.

                                By choosing affordable and professional support, applicants can save money while submitting a response that aligns with USCIS expectations 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.

                                Cheap H1B Expert Opinion Letter Service in USA: Save Money on Your Visa RFE Response Read More »

                                How to Get Your H1B Visa Approved in USA: Tips for Addressing Specialty Occupation RFE Issues

                                Immigration, Visa Approvals

                                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.

                                 

                                How to Get Your H1B Visa Approved in USA: Tips for Addressing Specialty Occupation RFE Issues 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 »

                                                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 »

                                                Biden Administration Sued Over Wage Level Final Rule

                                                Immigration, In the News

                                                Five tech and medical nonprofits represented by the American Immigration Lawyers Association are suing the Biden Administration in an effort to block the wage level preference final rule from going into law December 31st, 2021.

                                                The lawsuit filed in a Washington, DC US District Court stated:

                                                “It will have a deleterious impact on small businesses, start-ups, non-profits, rurally located businesses and other industries that rely on foreign highly skilled workers, but who are not able to compensate workers at the highest level.”

                                                The lawsuit also states that this final rule was reviewed and approved by Chad Wolf, who was the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security.  He did not have the legal and valid authority to review and approve this final rule because he was not properly appointed to his position of authority.

                                                This rule was proposed by the Trump Administration on its way out to prioritize H-1B beneficiaries based on wage level.  This would effectively do away with the lottery system, which was designed to give equal footing to businesses and organizations large and small, rural and urban, in areas expensive and impoverished.  Many of these rural areas rely on foreign workers because they lack a pool of highly skilled workers to provide essential services to the community or cultivate sustainable economic development. 

                                                Wage level preference would be based on the H-1B occupation in that geographic location.  However, when put into action this regulation gets murky in areas where economic opportunity and urban density is patchy and gives preference to large and wealthy businesses over small businesses and nonprofits across the board.

                                                CCI TheDegreePeople.com will continue to track this lawsuit and advise accordingly.  However, we do anticipate wage level issues will be a common RFE this year in light of current controversy.  We are here to help you identify and fix the weaknesses in H-1B petitions before you file, and to help successfully answers RFEs.

                                                For a free review of your H-1B case, visit www.ccifree.com.  We will respond in 4 hours or less.

                                                Biden Administration Sued Over Wage Level Final Rule 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 »

                                                Unique H-1B Issues that Face IT Consulting Firms this RFE Season

                                                Immigration, Visa Approvals

                                                Unique H-1B Issues that Face IT Consulting Firms this RFE Season

                                                Recently a lawsuit was filed against USCIS by ITServe Alliance.  This is a organization of US IT service companies that had previously petitioned USCIS against new changes to H-1B adjudication rules.  The new rules state that for IT consulting companies that contract H-1B employees to work off-site to meet H-1B requirements, they had to prove the H-1B employee would have “Guaranteed specific and non-speculative work assignments” scheduled for the entire duration of their three-year H-1B visa.  This rule was applied to new employees seeking H-1B status for the first time, and for existing H-1B employees seeking visa renewal.

                                                This new rule has taken a toll on IT consulting firms across the United States. Last fall at the end of FY2018, a study of the 30 top employers that sponsor H-1B employees found that while IT consulting firms saw 20-80% rates of H-1B Denials among their sponsors, non-consulting companies only saw a 1% Denial rate.  Consulting firms were answering RFEs and Denials well into the fiscal year the sponsored employee was hired for, cutting into business productivity and damaging relationships with customers because new hires could not start on time because they were still engulfed in a fight for their right to work.

                                                While USCIS claims that this new rule is simply a reinterpretation of existing statutes, ITServe Alliance disagrees.  Regardless, USCIS is still the gatekeeper of you, or your employee or client’s visa status, and that means you must be prepared to prevent and answer the potential RFE or Denial that is likely to arrive this summer if you or your employee or client works for an IT consulting company.

                                                Here is what you need to do to get this kind of RFE or Denial overturned:

                                                1. Clearly show three years of guaranteed and non-speculative work for the H-1B employee.  This means providing a detailed itinerary of the employee’s next three years on the job bolstered by customer contracts and timelines.

                                                2. Clearly show that the employer-employee relationship will be maintained even when the H-1B employee is working off-site.  This means providing a clear breakdown of the day-to-day duties and responsibilities of the employee along with their means of reporting to the employer.  Clearly show avenues of control and accountability as you will need to prove that the employer maintains the ability to hire, fire, promote, and otherwise control the work the H-1B employee does throughout the duration of the H-1B visa, regardless of which site they are working at.

                                                3. Include an expert opinion letter that analyzes, ties together, and lends credibility to the evidence and documentation you provide.  This expert must have extensive experience WORKING IN the IT consulting field, and not simply be an IT instructor or professor.  At TheDegreePeople.com, we have the right experts on hand 24/7 to write the opinion letter you or your employee or client needs to serve a strong case for approval.

                                                4. Make sure all of your bases are covered.  When USCIS finds a red flag in a petition, they look deeper, and they usually find more aspects of a case to take issue with.  Education issues, wage level issues, and specialty occupation issues are common features of the first or second round of RFEs. 

                                                Always take the opportunity to prevent a second round of RFEs when answering the first.  For a free review of your case, visit ccifree.com/.  We will get back to you in 48 hours or less.

                                                Unique H-1B Issues that Face IT Consulting Firms this RFE Season 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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