L1B: Specialized Knowledge for Software Developers

[bi3423]

I have read about some cases where people have used company's internal tools to do projects abroad. They tell in interview that they have advanced knowledge of these tools.
But they still get rejected because they haven't created any of the tools themselves or maybe because the VO thinks that any other US employee could learn these tools. Right now I am preparing for my interview, so wanted to know any anecdotes/opinions on the forum.

[Libra_14]

L1B is for professional, who really posses some sort of specialized knowledge which others don't have in USA (this is to ensure that companies don't hire resources from outside USA, when their own citizens with similar knowledge are unemployed).

So if you can explain that your knowledge is really specialized (not just some simple batch file or SQL scripts) then you'll get the visa.

Some people even though are specialized, but not able to explain their importance during the interview will be rejected & vice-versa will be approved.

Just my opinion.

[JohnRannalhi]

As my boss says software developers without knowledge and/or implementation of AI are not software developers. Because just coding is exactly like just speaking. Can't bring any value without applied use.

[avensis123]

That remark set me thinking for a while. Indeed, I am the one who hires software developers, so I made a few background checks on your statement. And found out that with a certain computer vision platform the business can be brought to a certain new level. So really, I can't thank you enough for this.

[Nikolas23]

Quite interesting information, thank you! It's worth thinking about

[alicecopper]

A while ago, I decided that I wanted some more stability in my life and decided to find a full-time job. But like some of you here, I faced challenges on my way to a successful interview. While working at a company that used its own internal tools for development, I mastered them well, but it turned out that wasn’t enough to impress the recruiter. Questions about what tools or algorithms I had developed myself became a real challenge. I realized that it was more important to not only know how to use these tools but how to make them drive the business forward, that was a task of a higher hierarchy. Later on, I decided that creating my own business, merged with my own software development experience, would meet all these goals. I used a shortcut in the face of FlairsTech team, and with their help I was able to integrate their platform into my business and optimize processes that previously seemed complicated. This entire experience proved valuable and impressive for just a startup that my company still is.

[RichardGravener]

Yes, candidates often get rejected if they’ve only used internal tools without developing or customizing them, as VOs may believe a U.S. worker can be trained to use them. In some cases, especially in fields like IoT-Entwicklung Arduino, it’s important to show how your specific contributions or expertise go beyond basic usage. To improve your chances, highlight any unique expertise, custom work, or critical impact you’ve made with those tools.