What is an H-1B Visa?

A non-immigrant visa that allows:

  • US employers: To temporarily hire foreign workers
  • Specialty occupations: In fields requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher
Common fields
  1. Technology
  2. Engineering
  3. Healthcare
  4. Finance

It’s a popular visa for foreign professionals seeking work in the US.

A document written by a recognized expert, providing an objective evaluation of:

  1. Specialty occupation: Confirming the job’s specialty nature
  2. Qualifications: Verifying the applicant’s qualifications and expertise

  • The term “Specialty Occupation” is central to the H-1B visa and refers to a position that requires:

    • Theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge.
    • Attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in a specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

    For an H-1B EOL (Expert Opinion Letter), the concept of “Specialty Occupation” is crucial because the letter aims to demonstrate to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that:

     

    1. The job being offered qualifies as a Specialty Occupation. This means the position’s duties are so complex and specialized that a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field is the standard minimum requirement for someone to perform the job. The expert opinion can analyse the job duties, industry standards, and typical educational requirements for similar roles to support this claim.
    2. The beneficiary (the foreign worker) has the necessary qualifications (i.e., the required degree or its equivalent through a combination of education and work experience) to perform the duties of that specialty occupation. The expert can evaluate the beneficiary’s credentials and explain how they meet or exceed the educational and experiential requirements of the position.

Why is demonstrating "Specialty Occupation" needed for an H-1B visa?

  • H-1B visa requirement: Specialty occupation is a key requirement for H-1B visa eligibility
  • USCIS compliance: Demonstrates compliance with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations
  • Application strength: Strengthens the H-1B application by establishing the job's specialty nature
It ensures the job meets H-1B visa requirements, supporting the application.

Required Documents for an H-1B Speciality Occupation Expert Opinion Letter (EOL)

  • RFE copy (not required for initial H-1B petitions)
  • Copy of the LCA
  • Petition support letter (LOS)
  • Job duties in detail (%Break down of duties)
  • All education credentials
  • Experience letters (if any handy)
  • Latest resume in word
  • Any other supporting documentation that has been submitted to USCIS.

Additional Requirements

The EB-1 Expert Opinion Letter helps establish the individual’s qualifications and supports their visa application.
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