Useful Links
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Website
Social Media
Statistics
Annual Caps for H-1B for Fiscal Years: 85,000 visas
- 65,000 visas
- 20,000 visas for the master’s cap*
The master’s cap – individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
Topics
How Does a Foreign Degree Apply to the H-1B Visa?
H-1B degree equivalency: USCIS single-source rule, three-for-one substitution, credential evaluations & RFE tips.
Got a Foreign Degree? Here’s What USCIS Looks At
So, you’ve earned a foreign degree and want an H-1B visa? Even if it’s from one of the most prestigious universities on Earth, USCIS will check if it’s truly equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in your field. If it doesn’t match in level and specialty, it won’t pass the H-1B degree equivalency standard.
Specialized Knowledge
To qualify for an H-1B, you need highly specialized knowledge - both theoretical and practical - and a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) that exactly matches the job’s specialty occupation.
A specialty occupation requires the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as the minimum for entry. USCIS scrutinizes whether your education aligns with the actual job duties.
The H-1B Single-Source Rule Explained
USCIS policy requires that the degree used to meet the H-1B specialty occupation requirement come from a single, degree-granting institution. This single-source rule is a key factor in H-1B adjudications and a common cause of RFEs.
Multiple credentials - such as certificates or diplomas from various institutions - cannot be combined to meet the degree requirement.
Your best strategy: Present one verifiable, recognized foreign degree with a credential evaluation report, transcripts, accreditation proof, and certified translations, showing it meets U.S. bachelor’s equivalency.
Evaluation of a Foreign Degree
A foreign degree alone isn’t enough. It must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation agency to determine its U.S. equivalency. This process is central to establishing H-1B degree equivalency and ensuring your petition meets USCIS standards.
This applies even to advanced degrees like master’s or PhDs earned outside the U.S.
Certain occupations - engineers, lawyers, doctors - may also require a state license, registration, or certification to practice in the U.S.
| Your Degree or Experience | Need Evaluation? |
|---|---|
| Foreign Bachelor’s Degree | YES |
| Foreign Advanced Degree (M.S./Ph.D.) | YES (often) |
| Foreign Degree + Work Experience | YES |
| Experience Only | YES (special evaluation required) |
| U.S. Bachelor’s or Higher | NO |
Credential evaluations are advisory; USCIS officers make the final decision.
Choosing the Right Credential Evaluation Service
- Select agencies experienced in immigration and H-1B specialty occupation cases.
- Ensure they tailor evaluations for USCIS requirements.
Immigration attorneys often recommend reputable evaluators. Without a proper credential evaluation, your petition risks denial or an RFE.
Request a Comprehensive Credential Evaluation
Best strategy to address the single-source rule.
Your evaluation should come from a recognized agency that consolidates all transcripts, diplomas, and course descriptions into a single, authoritative report - creating a unified record that proves degree equivalency.
The evaluation should explicitly:
- Identify each credential’s origin, level, and U.S. equivalency.
- Cross-reference coursework from multiple institutions to show cumulative equivalency.
- Include verifiable seals, translations, and institutional recognition.
When a Degree Evaluation Is Not Required
✅ You don’t need an evaluation if:
– Your degree is from a U.S. institution, and
– It’s directly related to your H-1B specialty occupation.
Double Your H-1B Chances
Holding a master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution gives you two chances in the lottery - first in the Regular Cap, then in the Master’s Cap if not selected initially. Your chances are higher compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Interesting Facts
- The H-1B visa was created for “specialty occupations,” not specifically for tech jobs - yet over 70% now go to tech roles (software engineering).
- 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the H-1B program, launched in 1990.
Using Experience in Place of Education
Can you get an H-1B without a degree? Yes - if you lack a U.S.-equivalent degree, or your degree is unrelated, relevant work experience and specialized knowledge may be used to supplement or substitute for education under the three-for-one rule.
Under this rule, three years of specialized work experience equals one year of college-level education for H-1B purposes.
That means 12 years of relevant work experience can equal a four-year bachelor’s degree - when properly documented with expert letters and evidence.
Responding to a Degree Equivalency RFE
If USCIS issues an RFE, don’t panic. These are common when a foreign degree doesn’t seem to match a U.S. equivalent in title, duration, or coursework.
Survival Steps:
1. Review the RFE Carefully
Identify whether the issue is degree level, field, institution credibility, or all of these. Note deadlines.
2. Get a Strong Credential Evaluation
Ensure the report explains methodology, accreditation, and how your education meets U.S. standards.
3. Provide Extra Documentation
Include transcripts, syllabi, accreditation proof, expert letters, and relevant work history.
4. Organize the Response
Use a cover letter, clear labels, and numbered exhibits.
5. Ensure Consistency
Match all dates, names, and details across documents; use certified translations.
Bottom line: Understanding how USCIS evaluates foreign degrees and applies H-1B degree equivalency rules is essential. Align your qualifications with the job requirements and document everything thoroughly to avoid costly delays or denials.