How does an RFE for an inconsistent degree work?

An RFE (Request for Evidence) is a formal request from USCIS asking you to submit additional documents or clarifications about something already included in your H-1B petition. It is not a denial: it is an opportunity to strengthen your case.

When a degree is inconsistent, an RFE typically arises when the education presented does not clearly correspond to what the specialty occupation requires. The goal is to confirm that your academic background genuinely supports the qualification for the role.

To respond, USCIS generally requests supporting documents such as:

• a credential evaluation conducted by a specialized organization, common for degrees earned outside the United States, to clarify equivalency to American academic standards;
• official transcripts and course syllabi;
• detailed explanations of how your educational background connects to the intended field of work.

You receive a deadline to submit everything, and responding completely and in an organized manner within that period is critical to the outcome of your case. Clear evidence makes a difference in the review. When facing an RFE, the safest approach is to confirm the requirements directly with USCIS and seek specialized support for the evaluation of academic documents.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.