Lucybell33

Good luck!!

unique_boy

I am on an L1B and I was slightly nervous about questions at the interview. My lawyers prepared a supporting letter evidencing the specialised knowledge but the immigration didn't even want to see it.

I wouldn't worry too much, I got asked 2 questions, "What is your specialised knowledge" and "Tell me about your degree" interview was very quick.

HollywoodBrit

Hi Bighit and everyone else,

I am currently having to prove my specialized knowledge, however under slightly different circumstances.

My second L1B blanket visa expired recently. Due to extensive travel with my job in which I've spent nearly two years outside of the US, I submitted an application for a recapture of time. Unfortunately, and to me quite bizarrely, I received and RFE, not for the usual 'prove you were out of the country' as is common with recapture applications, but for 'prove you are specialized knowledge'.

The fact I received and RFE for this when all I was requesting was a RECAPTURE of time (not a general extension) on an existing L1B visa, which itself had to be approved by USCIS and therefore sufficient evidence had previously proven/been provided to show I qualified as specialized knowledge, was quite astounding.

I think what Im trying to say is, that, as others have suggested, USCIS are throwing RFE's at pretty much every application that comes through their door right now because they believe the system has been abused for many years. Its probably in the hope that those who are trying to sneak in, when perhaps they don't fit the bill, drop it and forget about it (or maybe its just to buy USCIS more time). If, as you suggest, you can satisfy their needs for proof that you are worthy, I don't think you will have any problems!

I haven't got the time or inclination to put together all of the information they are asking for - far too time consuming. Im almost considering responding along the lines of 'USCIS granted the original L1B visa's for which recapture of time is requested, therefore this in itself is sufficient evidence that beneficiary qualifies under specialized knowledge' and including a copy of my L1B visa - wonder how far that will get me

bighit

Thank you. I have completed DS-160 and scheduled my appointment in two weeks as waiting to receive all required docs (including blanket petition letter) from our attorney in the US.
When I completed DS-160, it justs asks you the category of visa. Selected L1 but it doesn't drill down further into L1A or L1B. Nor have I mentioned anywhere on DS-160 that I am applying under 'specialised knowledge'category. I understand, from the initial draft of the letter that our attorney has prepared, it states clearly about the visa category as well as demonstrates my knowledge.
My worry is I did not go into depth when I filled DS-160 about my specialised knowledge when asked about current job so I do hope they ask for supporting evidence from my attorney before deciding my fate.
Two weeks to go, count down begins!

bighit

Good luck Hollywood Brit. I hope it goes all well for you. I haven't been asked for RFE as am applying under blanket petition so had to bypass going to USCIS first