It can be difficult to navigate the H1B visa process‘s intricacies, particularly when you get a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS. Before deciding whether to approve your H1B petition, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may utilize an RFE to request more information or supporting evidence. Although this request may cause anxiety, you can successfully address the USCIS’s concerns if you have the correct assistance and knowledge. We at Document Evaluations are here to support you throughout this difficult time. We will examine the nuances of USCIS RFEs in this blog article, as well as how Document Evaluations offers the tools required to successfully handle them.
Understanding USCIS RFEs for H1B cases
A Request for Evidence (RFE) is issued by USCIS when additional information is required to determine the eligibility of an H1B petition. This can occur due to various reasons, including:
Incomplete documentation: missing or incomplete supporting documents.
Job Specific Requirements: Clarifications are needed about the job role and its requirements.
Specialty Occupation: Proof that the job qualifies as a specialty occupation.
Evidence of the beneficiary’s qualifications, including educational background and work experience.
Common Reasons for RFEs in H1B Cases
Understanding the common reasons behind RFEs can help in preparing a robust response. Here are some typical scenarios:
Educational Equivalency: USCIS may question whether the beneficiary’s foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree in a specific specialty.
Specialty Occupation: Proving that the job requires a specialized body of knowledge and that the beneficiary possesses the necessary skills. Evidence of a valid employer-employee relationship, particularly in third-party placement situations.
Status Maintenance: Proof that the beneficiary has maintained legal status in the United States throughout their stay.
How Document Evaluation Helps with RFEs from USCIS
At Document Evaluations, we are experts at responding to USCIS RFEs related to H1B cases.
We offer professional academic evaluations to prove that a degree from a foreign country is equal to a degree from the United States. Our assessments are in-depth and customized to satisfy USCIS requirements.
Job experience evaluation: In cases where formal education is insufficient, we assess and record the beneficiary’s work experience to determine its equivalent to a U.S. degree.
Expert Opinion Letters: Our expert opinion letters, written by sector professionals, support statements regarding the beneficiary’s qualifications and specialized occupations.
Thorough RFE Response Preparation: We help gather and arrange the necessary information to provide a logical and strong response to the RFE.
Step-by-Step Process to Address an RFE with Document Evaluation
Initial conversation: We begin with a long discussion to understand the specifics of the RFE and the beneficiary’s background.
Document Collection: Gather all essential documents, including academic transcripts, employment letters, and other supporting information.
Evaluation and Analysis: Our team of professionals reviews the papers and determines any gaps or extra information needed.
Reports and letters are prepared: We provide academic and work experience evaluations, as well as expert opinion letters designed to satisfy the USCIS’s concerns.
Review and Submission: The final response is checked thoroughly to verify accuracy and completeness before submission to USCIS.
Case Studies: Success Stories for Document Evaluations
Case Study #1: Academic Equivalency Success
A client with a foreign engineering degree received an RFE disputing the degree’s comparability with a computer science degree from the United States. Document review supplied a comprehensive academic review as well as an expert opinion letter emphasizing the importance of the client’s courses and professional experience. The RFE was successfully resolved, and the H1B petition was approved.
Case Study 2: Specialist Occupation Clarification
Another client received an RFE contesting their position as a market research analyst’s specialist occupation status. Our team created a complete expert opinion letter explaining the specialized nature of the work and the need for a corresponding degree. The response met USCIS requirements, and the petition was approved.
Why Should You Choose Document Evaluations?
Expertise: Our staff is made up of seasoned individuals who understand USCIS standards and immigration regulations.
Accuracy: We verify that each review and letter is correct, thorough, and follows USCIS requirements.
Timeliness: We understand the importance of RFEs and provide timely and effective services to fulfill deadlines
Personalized Service: Every case is different, and we tailor our services to our customers’ specific needs.
Tips for Preventing RFEs
While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of RFEs completely, following these tips can help reduce the likelihood:
Complete Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents are filed with the initial petition.
Clear Job Descriptions: Provide detailed job descriptions that clearly describe the position as a specialty occupation.
Proper Educational Evaluation: To accurately measure foreign degrees, use reputable evaluation services.
Maintain Records: Keep thorough records of the beneficiary’s job history and qualifications.
Conclusion
Receiving an RFE from USCIS can be a challenging process, but with the correct guidance, you can negotiate this hurdle effectively. Document Evaluations offers complete solutions to resolve RFEs, ensuring that your H1B petition is backed by solid evidence and expert analysis. Our competence in academic and professional experience evaluations, along with customized service, makes us a valued partner in your immigration process.
For additional information or to get started on your RFE response, contact Document Evaluations now. Let us help you turn your RFE into an approval.
