The H-1B specialty occupation visa requires a US bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a field directly related to the job. USCIS does not require the degree to be from a US institution. A foreign degree found to be equivalent works just as well.
The equivalency standard
USCIS will accept a foreign degree as equivalent to a US bachelor's degree if:
- The foreign degree is evaluated as equivalent to a 4-year US bachelor's degree by a credential evaluation organization, OR
- The applicant has a combination of education and progressive work experience that together equal a 4-year US bachelor's degree
This is a critical distinction: work experience can substitute for educational shortfalls.
Israeli degree considerations
3-year Israeli bachelor's degree (תואר ראשון): Most Israeli bachelor's degrees are 3 years. A US bachelor's degree is 4 years. USCIS does not automatically equate a 3-year degree with a US bachelor's, which is a common problem for Israeli applicants.
Solutions:
- Plus 1 year of specialty-related work experience per year of missing education: 1 year of additional experience can supplement the 1-year gap in many cases (consult your immigration attorney on the specific formula)
- Israeli master's degree (תואר שני): If you hold a 3-year Israeli bachelor's + 2-year master's, the combined 5 years of university study significantly strengthens equivalency claims
- Some evaluators find 3-year Israeli degrees equivalent to US 4-year degrees based on curriculum rigor and content, though outcomes vary
4-year+ Israeli degrees: Some Israeli engineering programs (Technion, Tel Aviv University) are 4 years. These are generally evaluated as equivalent without supplementation.
Required: Credential Evaluation
Every H-1B petition with a foreign degree must include a credential evaluation from a recognized organization. The most credible organizations are members of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services):
- WES (World Education Services): most widely recognized
- Educational Perspectives
- SpanTran
- ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators)
The evaluation report should state that the foreign degree is equivalent to a US bachelor's degree in the specific field. Be specific when ordering: the report must align with the job's field of study.
Cost: $100–$200 per evaluation. Processing time: standard 7–10 business days; expedited 2–3 business days.
Work experience substitution
If the degree evaluation is inconclusive or the applicant lacks a degree but has extensive experience, USCIS accepts 3 years of progressive, specialty-occupation work experience for every 1 year of missing education.
For a fully degree-less applicant aiming for a 4-year equivalent: 12 years of progressive specialty work experience is required. This is rare for most applicants.
For a 3-year degree applicant: the standard practice is to show 1–3 additional years of related experience (depending on your immigration attorney's approach and the specific occupation).
Supporting documentation
A strong H-1B petition with a foreign degree includes:
- Credential evaluation report from a NACES member
- Official university transcripts (certified copies + certified English translation)
- If using experience supplementation: detailed letters from prior employers on company letterhead, describing duties, dates, and skill level
- CV documenting progressive roles
- If available: graduate degree transcripts and evaluations
Common mistakes
- Ordering a generic "bachelor's equivalent" evaluation without specifying the field: the field must match the job
- Not providing employer experience letters when degree equivalency is borderline
- Using an evaluator not recognized by USCIS
Bottom line
Israeli professionals with bachelor's degrees from major Israeli universities (Technion, Tel Aviv, Hebrew University, Ben-Gurion, Haifa) regularly obtain successful H-1B petitions. The credential evaluation step is non-negotiable, and a good immigration attorney will know which evaluators produce the most favorable outcomes for Israeli degrees in your specific occupation.
This content is for informational purposes only.