sustained
H-1B
sustained H-1B Case: Data Analysis
Decision Summary
The Director initially denied the petition, concluding the 'Data Analyst' position was not a specialty occupation. The appeal was sustained because the AAO found that the specific duties of the position were so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform them is usually associated with at least a bachelor's degree in a specific specialty, satisfying the regulatory requirements.
Criteria Discussed
Specialty Occupation Bachelor'S Degree Requirement
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services In Re : 8564052 Appeal of Vermont Service Center Decision Form 1-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (H-lB) Non-Precedent Decision of the Administrative Appeals Office Date : MAR . 31, 2020 The Petitioner, a personalized digital health platform, seeks to temporarily employ the Beneficiary as a "Data Analyst" under the H-lB nonimmigrant classification for specialty occupations. See Immigration and Nationality Act (the Act) section 10l(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), 8 U.S .C. ยง l 10l(a)(l5)(H)(i)(b). The H-lB program allows a U.S. employer to temporarily employ a qualified foreign worker in a position that requires both (a) the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and (b) the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty ( or its equivalent) as a minimum prerequisite for entry into the position. The Director of the Vermont Service Center denied the petition , concluding that the Petitioner failed to establish that the proffered position is a specialty occupation. On appeal, the Petitioner submits additional evidence and contends that the petition should be approved . In these proceedings, it is the Petitioner's burden to establish eligibility for the requested benefit, and we follow the preponderance of the evidence standard as specified in Matter of Chawathe, 25 I&N Dec . 369, 375-76 (AAO 2010) . Based upon our de nova review, we conclude that the nature of the proffered position's specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform them is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor's degree in a specific specialty, or the equivalent. The record of proceedings therefore satisfies 8 C.F.R. ยง 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A)(4) . The Petitioner has also established that the proffered position qualifies for classification as a specialty occupation as defined by section 214(i)(l) of the Act, 8 U.S .C. ยง l 184(i)(l), and 8 C.F.R. ยง 214.2(h)(4)(ii). ORDER: The appeal is sustained.
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