The Expert Opinion letter specifically addresses aspects of individual visa petitions that are being questioned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Other Expert Opinion letters are written to evaluate education and work experience in fields outside of Business and Computers. Morningside works with over 1,000 experts who serve as professors at some of the top universities in the United States. With professors available in over 500 specialty fields, each letter will be signed by an expert in the candidate’s same area of specialty.
Evaluation of Academic Credentials and Work Experience/ Evaluation of Work Experience
We have professors on staff to evaluate work experience in a variety of computer and business related fields (see Evaluation of Work Experience and/or Academic Credentials), but many candidates applying for visas have specialties in other fields. Additionally, if there are no academic credentials to evaluate, or the report will rely primarily on work experience, Morningside will work with experts to complete an expert opinion letter. To this end, Morningside works with over 1,000 experts who serve as professors in diverse fields of expertise to evaluate professional experience in virtually any specialty. Each professor that we work with is qualified to determine whether or not a candidate’s experience in their field is sufficiently advanced to be considered university-level.
Specialty Occupation Letters
The primary purpose of a specialty occupation letter is to determine whether a work position qualifies as a specialty occupation in connection with H1-B and other petitions, requiring an individual with a higher educational degree. When performing evaluations of a professional position, our experts analyze the nature of the company and its industry, the position in the context of the company, and the background required for the position as determined by the industry.
Taking into consideration the job duties that will be required of the candidate, a specialty occupation letter clearly demonstrates that the work position in the petition is a specialty occupation requiring expertise in the field.
Determination of Extraordinary Ability
Petitions for O-1 Extraordinary Ability visas are strengthened by expert letters which attest to the candidate's special expertise in their field, and qualify them as an individual with extraordinary ability as defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Taking into account the candidate's education, professional experience, awards, and/or publications in their field, our experts have the ability to speak to their status as individuals of exceptional ability. Such expert letters are thoroughly detailed, thereby clarifying the reasoning behind the determination of extraordinary ability.
Requests for Evidence (RFE)
Due to Morningside's extensive experience in providing evaluations and expert letters, we have developed efficient and effective procedures for satisfying the requirements set out by USCIS. By providing accurate and thorough evaluations the first time around, we help our clients to either avoid or combat RFEs on their cases.
Morningside's case managers are always available to work with clients to determine the type of letter needed in conjunction with specific visa petitions and/or RFEs. We are also willing to discuss the nature of each case at length because we are committed to helping our clients win their cases.
Morningside evaluators’ affiliations and certifications include:
ACIP
AILA
NAFSA
NAGAP
Six Sigma for Managers
