USCIS sought additional info for 60% H-1B applications last quarter

MUMBAI: Data released recently by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reflects a greater scrutiny of H-1B applications, with an increase in requests for evidence (RFEs).
Data for the first quarter of US fiscal 2019 (that is, three months ended December 2018) shows that 60% of all completed H-1B cases had been issued RFEs. This is significant, considering that only 38% of all completed H-1B applications received RFEs during fiscal 2018 (12-month period ended September 30, 2018) and 21% in the previous fiscal.
By issuing an RFE, the agency seeks additional evidence before it adjudicates an H-1B application. If the evidence submitted, say to prove that the job is a speciality occupation, does not satisfy USCIS officials, the application is rejected. RFEs cast an additional burden on sponsoring companies, in terms of time and cost.