May I qualify for H-1B status without a degree?
Yes, provided you have enough experience to be the equivalent of a college degree. The USCIS considers 3 years of experience to equal 1 year of college education. In the U.S., college is typically completed in 4 years, which is the standard the USCIS follows. Thus, if a person has never obtained any college credit, he/she would need to have 12 years of professional experience to meet the H-1B qualifications requirement (i.e. 3 years of experience x 4 years of college = 12 years).
If a person has an Associate’s degree or a few years of college credit, he/she would only need to make up the remaining time in experience. The formula is the same. For example, if 2 years of college was completed, the person would need to demonstrate only 6 years of relevant experience.
The experience being used in this regard must be relevant to the H-1B position and the individual must be able to submit documentation attesting to this experience (i.e. employment verification letters from prior employers). It is also helpful to get letters from experts in the field, including from professors who can issue college credit, stating that the individual’s experience is equivalent to a college degree.
Please contact our immigration law office if you would like to discuss your qualifications for the H-1B category.
Tags: college degree, experience, H-1B
