H 1b visa petition denials vermont

On 14 September 2026, reports highlighted ongoing concerns regarding H-1B visa petition processing at the Vermont Service Center (VSC). Legal experts and immigration advocates have noted a persistent trend of high denial rates for specialized occupation petitions filed through this specific facility. The data suggests that the VSC has been applying increasingly stringent standards when evaluating the "specialty occupation" criteria, often issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) that lead to final denials if the petitioner fails to provide exhaustive documentation regarding the nexus between the degree held and the specific job duties. Industry analysts point out that while national H-1B approval rates have stabilized, the Vermont center remains an outlier in its rigorous scrutiny of entry-level roles and third-party placement scenarios. Employers are being advised to bolster their filings with comprehensive evidence of business necessity and detailed organizational charts to mitigate the risk of rejection. As of September 2026, the agency has not issued a formal policy change, but the pattern of denials continues to impact technology and consulting firms relying on the VSC for their workforce needs.