Interim Decision #1807 . 

MA.r." JIt or Howe 

In Visa Petition Proceedings 

A-14041878 

Decided by Regional Commissioner September 89, 1967 

Beneficiary, a computer programmer, who nas only nmiteci inStractiOn and job 

experience as a programmer—a 95-hour course in IBM electronic data processing and employment as a programmer since May 1966—does not qualify as a 

member of the professions within the meaning of sections 101(a) (32) and 

203(a) (3) or the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. 

IN BEHALF or 'APPLICANT: Paul Rubin, Esquire 

50 West 57th Street 

Now York, New York 10010 

This matter is before the Regional Commissioner on appeal from 

the denial of the visa petition to accord the beneficiary third preference inunigrant classification as a member of the professions. 

The facts in this case are discussed fully in the District Director's 

decision of June 28, 1967. In brief, the beneficiary seeks third preference status as a programmer. Her background in the field consists 

of a ninety-fire-hour course in IBM 1401 Electronic Data Processing 

at RCA Institutes in New York City and employment as a programmer since May 1966. She previously received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from National Taiwan University 

at Taipei, Taiwan. 

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, to which the District Director makes reference in his decision, reflects that the education and 

experience requirements for programmers may vary considerably, depending on the nature of the problems with which they have to deal; 

that organizations which use their computers for scientific and engineering work usually require a college graduate with a degree in engineering, the physical sciences or mathematics; that employers who 

use computers to process business records generally place less emphasis 

on technical college training, although they prefer some education 

beyond the high school level; that college courses in electronic data 

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Interim Decision #1807 

processing, accounting, business administration, engineering, or mathematics provide good preparation. 

In view of the foregoing, it appears that a programmer may qualify 

as a member of the professions, depending on the individual's educational and employment background. The term "profession" as defined 

by section 101(a) (32) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as 

amended, contemplates knowledge or learning—not merely skill—of 

an advanced type in a given field gained by a prolonged course of 

specialized instruction and study of at least baccalaureate level, which 

is a realistic prerequisite to entry into the particular field of endeavor 

(Matter of Shin, Int. Dec. No. 1606). In the absence of a baccalaureate 

degree from an accredited institution of learning, the individual may 

qualify as a member of the professions if he has acquired specialized 

training or experience which may be equated therewith (Matter of 

Delia, Int. Dec. No. 1657). 

In the matter at hand, we find that the beneficiary's limited instruction and job experience in the field of programming does not 

qualify her for classification as a member of the professions within 

the meaning of the statute. This appeal, therefore, will be dismissed. 

ORDER; It is ordered that the appeal be and the same is hereby 

dismissed. 

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