“specialty occupation”

This page presents an official legal definition of “specialty occupation” from a government source. Additional definitions will be added as jurisdictions publish them.

Jurisdiction: United States United States

An occupation that requires theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge in fields of human endeavor, including:

  • Architecture;
  • Engineering;
  • Mathematics;
  • Physical sciences;
  • Social sciences;
  • Medicine and health
  • Education;
  • Business specialties;
  • Accounting;
  • Law;
  • Theology; and
  • The arts.

Specialty occupations require attaining a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific specialty, or its equivalent, as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

Source: USCIS Glossary (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)