What if I do not have a bachelor's degree, may I still apply for the H-1B visa?
Professionals without a bachelors degree may still be eligible for the H-1B classification in some instances. In general, the specialty occupation requirement may be met by showing that the applicant:
- Has a full state licence to practice in the occupation, if licensure is required;
- Has completed the degree required for the occupation or has experience in the specialty equivalent to such a degree and can demonstrate a recognition of his expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions relating to the specialty.
A candidate who does not meet the degree requirement may use a combination of education, training and experience to meet the standard of the specialty occupation requirement for the H-1B visa. Such candidates should seek a professional evaluation of their credentials by a reliable credential evaluation service. Such candidates should assemble the following for submission to the USCIS to make the best case possible for approval:
- Evaluation of all foreign education (including degrees, diplomas and transcripts);
- Documentation and evaluation of all other course work and training programs (including in-house training, seminars by professional associations or at local schools);
- Written evaluation from a recognized U.S. credential evaluation service or distinguished U.S. university professor of the candidates educational course work;
- Documentation of membership in professional associations, any licenses, articles about the applicant in recognized professional journals, magazines or articles;
- Evidence of membership in professional organizations that normally require bachelors degrees;
- Documented evidence of professional work experience, including experience letters with detailed job descriptions for previous positions held. This should be accompanied by a written expert evaluation of such professional experience. The USCIS would usually applies a formula which treats three years of experience as equivalent to one year of college education.