Specialized Knowledge as defined by U.S. Immigration:
Specialized knowledge refers to an individual employee who "has specialized knowledge of the company product and its application in international markets or has an advanced level of knowledge of processes and procedures of the company."
The characteristics of an employee with specialized knowledge are one who:
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Possesses knowledge that is valuable to the employer's competitiveness in the market place;
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Is uniquely qualified to contribute to the U.S. employer's knowledge of foreign operating conditions;
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Has been utilized as a key employee abroad and has been given significant assignments which have enhanced the employer's productivity, competitiveness, image or financial position; and
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Possesses knowledge which can be gained only through extensive prior experience with that employer.
Key: Show the employee is “uniquely” qualified for the transfer to the U.S. location.
Classic example: A foreign employee who works on a foreign developed product or service with the foreign employer and is needed to transfer that special or proprietary knowledge to U.S. operations.