When USCIS finds one problem with an H-1B petition, they usually find more. One RFE issue opens the door for close scrutiny of the entire case, and that is how we get situations like the Nightmare RFE.
This RFE is virtually impossible to answer by its own guidelines in the given timeframe and includes absolutely everything. That’s why this RFE is also called the Kitchen Sink. How can beneficiaries answer an RFE like this?
The answer is to not get caught up in the wording, but instead go back to the original H-1B eligibility guidelines and work from the ground up based on the guidelines themselves and USIS approval trends. This means strengthening all areas of the case with additional evidence and documentation to address employer-employee, wage level, and specialty occupation issues. Include a credential evaluation that closes any gaps between the H-1B beneficiary’s education and the H-1B job, and include an expert opinion letter that strengthens specialty occupation and wage level areas. For consulting firms and similar companies, include a complete itinerary of the H-1B employee’s work for the entire three-year duration of the visa, along with client contact information.
The more information you can provide in the initial petition, the better chance you have of preventing the Nightmare RFE. That means including an expert opinion letter, credential evaluation, and work itinerary in the initial petition. It is essential to keep an eye on USCIS approval trends when crafting the initial petition. At CCI TheDegreePeople.com, we pay close attention to USCIS approval trends and advise our clients based on common RFE and Denial triggers. A strong, clear, and well-documented case is the best defense against the Nightmare RFE.
For a free review of your case visit www.ccifree.com. We will respond in 4 hours or less.
Sheila Danzig
Sheila Danzig is the executive director of CCI, TheDegreePeople.com. Sheila specializes in overturning RFEs and Denials for work visas.