USCIS Policy Memorandum Designating Matter of O-A-, Inc. as an Adopted Decision

Matter of O-A-, Inc. clarifies that USCIS must conduct a case-specific analysis to determine whether, at the time a provisional certificate is issued, a beneficiary has completed all substantive requirements to earn the degree and the university or college has approved the degree. If the provisional certificate does so demonstrate, USCIS will consider the date of the provisional certificate for purposes of calculating post-baccalaureate experience. Matter of O-A-, Adopted Decision 2017-03 (AAO Apr. 17, 2017)

Related Resources

• American Immigration Council Amicus Brief: USCIS Should Accept Provisional Degree Certificate as Proof Degree Was Received for Advanced Degree Professionals