Specialized Knowledge Defined

On March 24, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the release of an updated policy memorandum on the L-1B nonimmigrant visa classification for workers with specialized knowledge. The memorandum, which clarifies for USCIS officers how L-1B petitioners may demonstrate that an employee has specialized knowledge, will be posted on-line for a 45-day public feedback period.  The memorandum will go into effect on August 31, 2015.

Issuing a final policy memorandum on L-1B adjudications is one of the executive actions on immigration that President Obama announced in November 2014. Release of the memorandum is part of the Administration’s effort to modernize, improve and clarify visa programs to grow the U.S. economy and create jobs.

The policy memorandum consolidates previous guidance and provides updated guidance to USCIS officers in adjudicating petitions filed by employers seeking to transfer employees to the United States. Employees who work in any industry and serve in any type of position may be classified as L-1B nonimmigrants, so long as the position described in the L-1B petition requires specialized knowledge.