AAO Unpublished Decision on “Specialty Occupation” for Film and Video Director

VIA AILA

In an unpublished decision provided to AILA courtesy of member Daniel
Huang, the AAO addressed whether the occupation of “film and video director” is
a “specialty occupation” for H-1B purposes. The AAO concluded that, despite the
fact that the DOL’s Occupational Outlook Handbook does not state that a
baccalaureate level education in a specific specialty is normally the minimum
requirement for entry into the position of director, the duties of this
particular position are so specialized and complex that knowledge required to
perform them is “usually associated with the attainment of a baccalaureate
degree or higher degree”.