sustained
H-1B
sustained H-1B Case: Unknown
Decision Summary
The appeal was sustained because the AAO conducted a de novo review and found the evidence sufficient to establish the proffered position as a specialty occupation. The AAO specifically concluded that the position is so complex or unique that it can only be performed by an individual with a degree in a specific specialty, satisfying the regulatory criteria.
Criteria Discussed
Specialty Occupation Position Complexity Or Uniqueness Beneficiary Qualifications
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services In Re: 3303627 Appeal of Vermont Service Center Decision Form 1-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (H-lB) Non-Precedent Decision of the Administrative Appeals Office Date: DEC. 01, 2020 The Petitioner seeks to temporarily employ the Beneficiary under the H-lB nonimmigrant classification for specialty occupations.1 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 record did not establish that the proffered position qualifies as a specialty occupation. On appeal, the Petitioner asserts that the Director erred and the Petitioner has established eligibility for this benefit. In these proceedings, it is the Petitioner's burden to establish eligibility for the requested benefit by a preponderance of the evidence. 2 We review the questions in this matter de nova. 3 Upon de nova review, we will sustain the appeal. In this matter, the record demonstrates that the proffered position is a specialty occupation under 8 C.F.R. ยง 214.2(h)(4)(ii) and (iii)(A). Specifically, we conclude that the particular position is so complex or unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree in a specific specialty, or its equivalent, as required by 8 C.F.R. ยง 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A)(2). The record establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the proffered position requires a baccalaureate or higher degree in a specific specialty, or its equivalent. When reviewed within the context of the Petitioner's business operations, we find the evidence of record sufficient to demonstrate that the Beneficiary's work requires a "body of highly specialized knowledge" attained through a precise and specific course of study that relates directly and closely to the proffered position. The evidence of the record establishes that, more likely than not, the proffered position requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty or its equivalent. The Petitioner has established that the proffered position qualifies for classification as a specialty occupation as defined by section 214(i)(l) of 1 See Immigration and Nationality Act (the Act) section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) , 8 U.S.C. ยง 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b). 2 See Section 291 of the Act; see also Matter of Chawathe, 25 l&N Dec. 369, 375 (AAO 2010). 3 See Matter of Christa's Inc., 26 l&N Dec. 537, 537 n.2 (AAO 2015). the Act, 8 U.S.C. ยง 1184(i)(1), 8 C.F.R. ยง 214.2(h)(4)(ii), and (iii)(A)(2). Additionally, the record establishes that the Beneficiary is qualified to perform the duties of the proffered position by holding a U.S. master's degree.4 ORDER: The appeal is sustained. 4 See Section 214(i)(2) of the Act; 8 C.F.R. ยง 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(C)(1). 2
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