sustained H-1B Case: Software Engineering
Decision Summary
The Director initially denied the petition, concluding that the record did not establish that the proffered position of software engineer qualified as a specialty occupation. On appeal, the AAO found that the petitioner provided a detailed job description and supporting evidence that sufficiently demonstrated the position's duties are so specialized and complex that they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty, thus meeting the regulatory requirements.
Criteria Discussed
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services In Re : 9996264 Appeal of California Service Center Decision Form 1-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker Non-Precedent Decision of the Administrative Appeals Office Date : APR. 30, 2020 The Petitioner , a software, services and internet technology business, seeks to temporarily employ the Beneficiary as a software engineer under the H-lB nonimmigrant classification for specialty occupations . Immigration and Nationality Act (the Act) section 101(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 California Service Center denied the petition , concluding that the record did not establish that the proffered position qualifies as a specialty occupation. On appeal , the Petitioner submits a brief and asserts the Director erred in denying the petition . In these proceedings, it is the Petitioner 's burden to establish eligibility for the requested benefit. Upon de nova review , we will sustain the appeal. Based upon our review of the entire record of proceedings , we conclude that the record indicates the nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform them is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in a specific specialty, or its equivalent , as required by the regulation at 8 C.F.R. ยง 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A)(4). Specifically , the Petitioner has provided a detailed job description and explained why the proffered position is specialized and complex . The Petitioner also submitted supporting evidence which, when considered in sum, further supports that the position's duties require specialized knowledge usually associated with a baccalaureate or higher degree in a specific discipline , or its equivalent. Further , the Petitioner has established that the proffered position qualifie s for a specialty occupation as the term is 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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