When USCIS Questions Roles That Seem to Span Multiple Specialties

A Multiple Specialty Occupations Request for Evidence is issued when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services believes a position may fall under more than one field of study. This raises questions about whether the role truly requires a specific bachelor’s degree in a particular specialty.

This issue often appears when a job description includes duties that seem to belong to different professions. For example, a position that combines elements of software development, business analysis, and project coordination may lead an officer to question whether one defined academic background is necessary for the role.

The concern is that if several degree fields could qualify for the position, it may not meet the definition of a specialty occupation. USCIS looks for a clear connection between the job duties and a single, specific field of study.

Clarifying the Nature of the Role

Responding to this type of RFE requires showing that the responsibilities are connected and part of a unified position rather than separate occupations. A detailed explanation of how each duty supports a single role becomes essential.

Employers often need to explain why a specific degree field is required to perform the full range of responsibilities. This involves demonstrating that the duties are not unrelated tasks, but instead reflect different aspects of one specialized function.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting materials can help establish this connection. Detailed job descriptions, internal role breakdowns, and examples of similar positions within the organization may provide additional context. Industry comparisons can also be useful in showing that the role is commonly associated with a particular academic background.

Expert opinion letters are often included as part of the response. These letters typically explain how a combination of responsibilities still aligns with one specialized field and why that field requires a bachelor’s degree.

Presenting a Focused Position

A Multiple Specialty Occupations RFE centers on clarity. When a role is presented as a focused position with a clear educational path, the concerns raised in the notice can often be addressed.

By connecting duties, qualifications, and academic requirements in a consistent way, applicants can demonstrate that the position meets the definition of a specialty occupation and supports the requirements of the H-1B classification.