scrubbedexpat099

Sounds very weird, the best port of call would be the Lawyer dealing with application.

I have heard they tightened up. Lots of abuse.

hungryhorace

I can't believe lack of relevant degree disproves you don't have specialized knowledge, surely?

Another question, if the firm is sizeable and they relocate people often - you refer to them having an internal relocations dept - then why do they not have a blanket petition in place?

alfista1

well I'm not sitting passively. I am fighting for another petition as the hiring director just sent a personal note saying he wanted to hire me in a second and needs someone with my qualifications over there.

maybe some leverage from the big fish may help build a stronger case.
Worth a shot.

alfista1

Yes I think the same. It is a large international company, relocating people often with their own team of lawyers. #1 Airline booking system. 5 billion dollar private company with offices worldwide.

What is a blanket petition?

hungryhorace

Have a read here: http://www.immihelp.com/l1-visa/l1-b...-petition.html

It may be that you can re-submit your I-129 petition taking into account the comments by USCIS, but your skills would need to be given a lot more attention and detail to make them change their mind i would expect.

alfista1

Thank you. I'm not sure if they used a L1 or L1 blanket.
I will investigate a bit more.

alfista1

wait a minute. why does this say no degree is required for L1 visa??

http://www.immihelp.com/l1-visa/l1-v...omparison.html

jeffreyhy

Reasons given for rejections are typically brief and vague, and can leave the applicant or petitioner wondering what was the problem 'exactly'. Perhaps it's done that way because providing detail gives information that makes it easier for the decision to be challenged or otherwise responded to? Good question. And another - if the company is so experienced in this area, yet could not get this petition through after months of effort, then surely there is indeed a flaw in this particular situation? Regards, JEff

alfista1

Now I'm confused. Many sites state no reference to degree being necessary for L1 visa!!.

Is there a flaw in my companies process?

http://www.visabureau.com/america/l1-visa.aspx

Orangepants

Yes that is what I said in post 7. Having been through the prep process - you do not require a degree, many people have a degree but it is not a specific requirement. Get hold of the petition and see what they submitted. I worked with my MD to put together competencies, skills and write the job description - only you know specifically what you can offer.
Were you not involved in pulling together the info for the petition? I hounded them every day and went to see the lawyers in the US - to the extent of going out for happy hour with them...

alfista1

Thank you very much.
Now I need to think how to approach HR

They have insisted/stated strongly that an IT specific degree was a definite requirement for the visa so they could not go forward!

hungryhorace

Agree with Orangepants. I have a Masters degree, but my attorney made little reference to it as it wasn't directly applicable to my work specialty. My L1 was approved (though I hold the A variety, not B).

Michael

Immigration lawyers always have some excuse when they screw up. I don't understand why there would be problems getting the visa if you have 7 years experience in that field.

hungryhorace

They used an I-129 individual petition. If the company had used a blanket petition, you would have been able to fill out a DS-160 and make an appointment at your nearest US Embassy Consulate for them to review your application. Instead, your individual petition was denied by USCIS.

Orangepants

HR was responsible for most of the things that went wrong with my employment - they messed up my initial H1b application, so then we had to follow the L1 and I had to move to London (from Cayman) for a year+ to then be eligible for the transfer and in the end.. well we wont even go there... They (HR) wasted 2 years of my life.. so I know you must be feeling sore... You need to find a MD who isn't afraid of HR!