USCIS Rescinds Finding that Computer Programmer is an H-1B Specialty Occupation

On March 31, 2017, USCIS issued a memorandum rescinding a 2000 memorandum finding that the occupational classification of Computer Programmer was a Specialty Occupation. A position must be a specialty occupation, or occupation requiring a four year degree in a field related to the occupation, in order to qualify under the H-1B program. The determination that not all Computer Programmer positions are specialty occupations could have a significant impact on the H-1B eligibility for entry-level computer occupations. Related Links: Rescission of the December 22, 2000 “Guidance memo on H1B computer related positions”. Bloomberg Asia, Trump Cracks Down on H-1B Visa Program That Feeds Silicon Valley.