Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » GUIDE to H1B Visa Processing Times: Premium vs. Regular

GUIDE to H1B Visa Processing Times: Premium vs. Regular

H1B Visa processing by USCIS can vary greatly depending on the service center you filed with and the processing type you chose. If you apply for an H1B petition with USCIS for the first time or even for transfers, you may wonder about the processing times, delays, typical processing times, if there is an SLA and many other questions.

This article will review types of H1B Visa processing, difference between regular vs. premium processing, fee, average processing times, and many other details, including some common FAQs.

If you are new to the H1B Visa process, read the articles below to understand the general process, the meaning of USCIS’s H1B Statuses, and receipt numbers.

Types of H1B Visa Petition Processing

H1B Visa Processing time with USCIS varies based on the type of processing that the employer or sponsor chooses when they file the H1B petition. There are two types of processing :

  1. Regular processing
  2. Premium processing.

An employer can file in one of the above listed processing types when they file any of the following types of H1B petition with USCIS:

  • New H1B cap-subject petitions (filed after selection in H1B Lottery)
  • H1B transfer petitions
  • H1B amendments
  • H1B Extensions.

Now, let’s look at each of the H1B visa petition processing types in detail.

H1B Regular Processing Time

If an employer or an H1B sponsor submits an H1B petition with USCIS using the standard process, without including any extra fee for faster processing, then the petition is said to be filed under regular processing.
Regular processing is the default processing type, when an employer or sponsor sends the H1B petition to USCIS. If there is no time pressure, most of the employers use Regular processing.

H1B Regular Processing Documents, Fee

There are no additional documents or fee that an employer need to submit, when filing an H1B petition under regular processing. The employer would submit USCIS standard Form I-129 along with relevant H1B Filing Fee, and supporting documents as listed in H1B Filing Checklist by USCIS.

There is no additional fee to process an H1B petition in regular processing. Employer submits standard application fee as required. Also, there is also no need to file Form I-907 or additional premium processing fee, when submitting under regular processing.

How long does USCIS take for H1B Regular processing?

There is no fixed duration or Service Level Agreement(SLA) time defined by USCIS for H1B Regular processing. It depends on the filing location and the load at the USCIS processing center. Every case is unique, and there can be different processing times for different cases.

Based on USCIS historical processing times, from the last six years (FY 2018 to FY 2024), it can take anywhere from 1.8 months to 4.7 months for the H1B petition filed in Regular processing using form I-129.

For FY 2024 (until the end of January 2024), as you can see in the below screenshot, the regular processing time for H1B petitions is about 2.7 months. See the below screenshot from the USCIS website based on historical processing times for the last six years.

If the applicant gets an RFE (Request for Evidence), then, in that case, the processing time can vary based on the complexity of the RFE issued. It can take a few more months, up to 6 months or more. If there are no complexities with the case, you may get a decision much faster in 2 months or less. To check current processing times by service center, you can check the article  Check USCIS H1B Visa Processing times

H1B Processing times by USCIS - Regular vs Premium - Historical and Current Data - 2024
H1B Processing times by USCIS – Regular vs Premium – Historical and Current Data – 2024

H1B Premium Processing Time

If an employer or sponsor pays an extra premium processing fee to USCIS to have the H1B petition adjudicated (decision) within 15 calendar days, then that petition is said to be filed in H1B premium processing.

H1B Premium Processing Documents, Fee

To file an H1B petition in premium processing, the employer or sponsor need to submit a completed Form I-907 along with a premium processing fee of $2,805, when they file an H1B petition with USCIS. The premium processing fee is in addition to the general H1B filing fee.

An employer can file for premium processing at the time of filing or upgrade to premium processing after filing and getting the receipt notice. The premium processing fee increased to $2,805 from $2500 starting from February 26, 2024. If you are filing for premium processing for a H1B FY 2025 season petition, you must submit $2,805 for premium processing fee.

How long does USCIS take for H1B Premium processing?

USCIS takes 15 calendar days or less to adjudicate an H1B petition filed in premium processing. They have a 15-day Service Level Agreement(SLA) and guarantee that any H1B petition filed in premium processing will be adjudicated in 15 calendar days or less.

If they do not meet the 15 days timeline, they will refund the premium processing fee and continue to process the H1B petition in expedited processing. This only happens, when there is an extensive load and USCIS cannot meet its SLA. It does not happen often. Based on past data, they only refunded 0.073% of H1B petitions filed under premium processing in the past three years.

For Fiscal Year(FY) 2024 season ( until January 2024), the current premium processing time average is about 0.2 months, which is about a week or less. If you were to file in premium, you should get a decision in about ten days as per current processing times. You may check the USCIS screenshot above for the official historical data.

H1B Extension Processing Time

The processing time for an H1B Extension petition depends on how it was filed. If it was filed under regular processing or premium processing. If it was filed under Premium processing time, then you can expect to have a decision within 15 calendar days, if not it can take few months time.

The fee and SLA for H1B extensions are same as the general new H1B petition described above in the article. If the H1B extension is filed in Regular Processing, the processing time can vary based on where it was filed and the processing times at the service center.

In general, the H1B extension processing can be slightly faster than regular processing, if there are not many changes in the employment terms and role of the H1B employee. This is because USCIS can give some weightage or deference to the previous first H1B approval and use that for the extension.

H1B Transfer Processing Time

Similar to H1B extensions, the H1B Transfer petitions processing time varies based on the type of processing you choose, either regular or premium. If you file it under Premium Processing, you will get a decision within 15 calendar days, but if you file in regular processing, it can vary based on where it was filed and the case. It can vary anywhere from 2 to 5 months or more.

The H1B transfer petition is filed with a new employer and there is no previous approval history. So, it would be treated like a new petition, and it can take more time than the H1B extension petition processing time.

Should you apply for Premium H1B Visa Processing?

It totally depends on your situation. In recent years, many employers try to file H1B in premium processing because they would know the decision faster and can plan accordingly based on that to have the employee work from October 1st. Having said that, unless there is a need, you do not need to apply for premium processing. Think of it logically, you cannot work until October 1st…why waste money?

Also, in some recent years, premium processing was suspended for H1B cap-subject petitions to decrease the overall processing times of all petitions. But, unlike the new cap subject petition, for H1B Transfer scenarios, employers usually apply for premium processing because of two reasons, first, they can work right away and need not wait till October 1st, and secondly, they are changing between companies, you do not want to be stuck with old employer during this time. You can consider doing premium when you are at the beginning of August or early September.

Applied for H1B Petition in April, but still USCIS status says “Case Received,” What should I do?

Well, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do but wait for USCIS to process your application. As discussed in the above section, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 months or more. All you can do is wait. Do NOT panic that you are not getting any response from USCIS. As long as your application was filed properly and the company is good, you should get approval.

Here are few things  you can do:

  • If you are really curious, you may apply for H1B visa premium processing anytime for general petitions by paying  $2,805 and upgrading your case. Your employer has to do the premium processing through the attorney. You cannot do it on your own.
  • You can ask your attorney to call USCIS and ask the status. In the past, one of our blog readers said, they had success and their application decision was done in a week after calling. Although, there is no guarantee. Worth a shot.
  • You can check the particular service center where your petition was filed and get approximate processing times to get an idea. You can do this on USCIS website it is under bottom where you check your case status.
  • Just wait. I understand the anxiety…but there is no shortcut.

H1B Visa FY 2025 Processing timelines – Regular vs. Premium?

USCIS has not announced any plans to suspend premium processing for the H1BFY 2025 season. So, it is assumed we will have premium processing for H1B FY 2025 season. If you were to file the H1B petition during FY 2025 in premium processing, you would get a decision within 15 days. As per the historical data until January 2024, it is 0.2 months, which is around a week time.

Regarding regular processing for FY 2025 cap-subject petitions, we do not have any data yet. Below are some data points for your reference.

  • USCIS Historical Trend Data: As per the average processing times given by USCIS in their historical processing times as of January 31st, 2024, the processing time is about 2.7 months ( see above screenshot).
  • Current Trend Data: As per the current processing times, it is anywhere from 2 to 5 months for the Texas Service center it is around 5 months. See below data from the USCIS processing times website, presented by VisaGrader H1B Processing times.

So, based on two data points, for FY 2025 H1B petitions filed with USCIS, you can expect decision on your case anywhere from 2 to 5 months.

Current USCIS processing time for H1B petitions - 2024
Current USCIS processing time for H1B petitions – 2024

Also, the better thing than the published USCIS processing times is looking at the H1B Tracker data contributed by the community. Check below for more info.

H1B Visa Tracker

You can check out the average H1B Visa processing times using VisaGrader’s H1B Visa Tracker. It is anonymous and all the data on our tracker page is contributed by users like you. Please add your H1B  case by registering and continue to update your status. It will help others get an idea.

Register, add your case anonymously at VisaGrader – H1B Visa Case Tracker

Current H1B Processing times, History

You can check USCIS.gov for Processing times or on a website like VisaGrader.com for the same. The big difference is, VisaGrader has historical data and gives you a holistic view of the processing times across all the Service Centers as in the below screenshots. Check Current H1B Visa Processing Times on VisaGrader.com

Current H1B Processing time in Texas - Vermont
Current H1B Processing time in Texas – Vermont
Current H1B Processing time in California - Nebraska
Current H1B Processing time in California – Nebraska

Common FAQs

Does USCIS have any turnaround time/ SLA for H1B regular processing ?

Unfortunately, there is no defined turnaround time/ SLA ( service level agreement) requirement for USCIS to respond to H1B petitions filed with them under regular processing. The 15 calendar days SLA only applies to petitions filed under premium processing.

Any higher approval chances in H1B Premium processing?

No, applying for H1B premium processing will not increase your chances for getting H1B petition approved.  It just expedites the processing time. So, do not be mislead by the fact that $2,805 will increase chances of approval. Read 5 H1B Visa Myths you need to know

How long does H1B transfer take? Any difference in processing time ?

In fact, there is no difference between a regular H1B petition and transfer except the transfers are not considered towards cap. So, the processing times are pretty much similar. It can take anywhere from 2 to 5 months based on historical processing times by USCIS in last five years. You can read How to check H1B visa processing times at USCIS Service centers

How much was your H1B Visa filing processing time ? Any thoughts to share on the processing time waiting ?

   

Other Articles

3,582 Comments

  1. My friend’s h1b is going to expire on Sept 30 2023. He has applied for premium processing on April 1st for h1b renewal. Not understanding in which scenario we go for premium processing?

    1. If current employer is not ready to continue sponsoring h1b for him?
    2. If he got new job offer new employer has applied for premium processing for him?
    3. Within 15 days (by April 15th) we will come to know if his premium processing will be approved or not?
    4. When we will come to know if current employer is not ready to continue sponsor h1b for my friend? By march 31st or before that or we have to wait till August 31st to know if current employer is interested to continue the h1b sponsor for him?

    Reply
  2. Hello,
    My employer has filed my h1b pettion in 25th June 2021,as per the tracking details the packet is delivered to USCIS on June 29 ,2021,this is fresh h1b ,but employer is saying they have not receved the receipt number yet,so what is the hope now its being 4 month over
    what would be the next step,employer has raised a case inquiry request with DHS-7001 a month back still waiting response from USCIS.

    Please help me here with information ,also may i know is it happened to anyone ?

    Reply
  3. My H1b extension was filed on June 1, 2021 at Vermont Center – Regular procession. No news, still waiting. Anyone on the same date range received the approval?

    Reply
  4. Has anyone H1B petition been approved in Vermont Service Center this year? I was filed for the extension in mid May. Trying to get an idea how far has Vermont got to.

    Reply
  5. Does USCIS started approving petition’s before June 30 for FY -22?
    Or they will wait for last date to submit petition i.e June 30 and start the process?

    Reply
  6. Hi ,
    My employer is filed amendment + extension on Feb 22 in Normal process after a month March 22 they converted to Premium Processing but still showing case was received and recepit was emailed.
    15 days alrady over ?

    Any thoughts pls

    Reply
  7. My H1B application was submitted on Feb 24th. Got receipt generated on March 2. And H1B extension got approved on March 19th. My company did not do Premium processing and it was just Regular Processing. I’m still surprised. Are things moving faster now under Biden administration?

    Reply
  8. How long would it take to hear back from USCIS if my employer applies for H1B Consular Processing change to status to convert my Consular visa into H1B using regular processing? Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Hi,
    My status is showing “Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has Jurisdiction” will the tracking number change or it will remain the same? and also how long will it take after this

    Reply
    • Waqas Malik
      Do you where your case is transfered mine was same status showing on uscis website my case was filed california center. we didn’t recevied any notice from uscis where they transfered my case. Please let me know if your case status change.

      Reply
      • Hi Sam,
        no nothing changed yet and i didnt receive the notice copy from my employer so dont really know which center its gonna be now previously it was California service center i got my receipt notice on june 12 and then on 16 july case was transferred after that no update yet

        Reply
    • My employer had filed my petition on June 23 through COS and we have not received any update till now so they updated to premium processing on 18 September. Any idea on the amount of time it is taking now to get an update/decision for premium processing?

      Reply
  10. How long does it take to get the premium processing receipt for H1b transfer currently. Case Submitted on july 13th 2020. How long it is taking to get approval in July 2020. Heard that USCIS is working with less staff from this month. Pls let me know

    Reply
          • Hi Kumar,

            My H1B petition got picked in 2021 lottery. My employer has submitted the documents to USCIS and I have received the receipt notice on May 18th, 2020. Later, my employer has upgraded my H1B petition to premium processing on July 7th, 2020. But, my employer says they haven’t received any update from USCIS till now. Will I get a new receipt number after upgrading to premium or will it be updated in my current receipt number? Please reply. Thanks!

          • Ram,
            You will get a confirmation telling that the petition is upgraded. It will be the same case number, nothing changes on that side. Just that there are delays now with the COVID, so can be slow.

  11. when can we expect the receipt during COVID times? it is been nearly 3 weeks since my application is sent to uscis but I didn’t get a receipt yet

    Reply
  12. My lawyer mentioned that premium processing increases the chances of RFE/denial. Is this true ? Thank you.

    Reply
  13. Hi, I have valid visa and i94 upto July 31, 2020 and my i140 also got approved. By Sep 2019, I filed H1b Amendment & Extension for another client in another location. Once I got the receipt, I got relocated and started working. Last month I got RFE, since the LCA role got changed, I have submitted all the docs. But now I got the denial from USCIS saying speciality occupation not convinced. Now what is the option for me to continue here or to refile the same. This is my first 3 year period in US. KIndly advise. Thanks.

    Reply
  14. Hi, I applied my extension in February in premium and got RFE on February.
    My company submitted my rfe response last week.May I know do they consider my petition response still in premium or they will return our amount and change it to normal process?

    Reply
  15. Hi,
    I am currently under OPT, my employer has started the h1b process, but I haven’t heard anything and everything got delayed because of corona virus. Does my employer have to submit my file before April 1st? When do I know if my case get selected in the lottery? What should I do if my case does not get selected?
    Thank you for your time!

    Reply
    • CZ,
      They need to submit H1B registration by March 20th, in online system. Well, if you do not get selected, you may have to leave, after your OPT ends or plan for doing COS to other visas depending on your situation.

      Reply
  16. Hello,
    I am working on H1b and have approved i-140. I had already exceeded 6 years in 2017 and had received extension for 2.5 years that time against my approved i-140. Now again my current visa is expiring in July 2020 and I have started the extension process.
    I was hoping to get 3 years extension this time but my company saying that they will get the LCA either for 12 months or until the client SOW date whichever is higher. My client always renew SOW for 6 months and for all these years we used to submit this 6 months SOW and the letter from client that they intent to keep on renewing SOW at least for 3 years.
    But this time my company is saying that they will not consider the client letter for deciding the LCA length and they will get the LCA for 1 year.

    1. My question is if the LCA is for 1 year then will USCIC give extension just for 1 year?
    2. My current visa expiring in July 2020, is it practically possible if I get my H1b transferred to another company and get the extension done from that company? I can try to get opportunity to my client company itself.
    3. When will the premium processing for H1b visa extension be stopped by USCIC?
    4. When will the premium processing for H1b transfer be stopped by USCIC?

    Reply
    • AV,
      1. Yes.
      2. You may try that, you need to process using premium processing.
      3. It is currently there, we have no news yet.
      4. same as above, it is still there, no news yet.

      Reply
      • Hello Kumar,

        I just saw this –
        https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/uscis-announces-temporary-suspension-premium-processing-all-i-129-and-i-140-petitions-due-coronavirus-pandemic

        Does this mean that H1b extension cannot be applied under premium processing now?

        Reply
    • Thank you so much. Do you know what time the premium processing was stopped last year? I heard USCIS usually stop premium processing for Extension and Transfer around April once the lottery is over. I am just hoping that they do not stop it this year as well.
      I am assuming even if I talk to the client immediately then it will take month or two to complete the documentation relating to the transfer and then actually send the transfer application to USCIS. If the premium processing is stopped by then I may have problem.

      Reply
  17. Hi,
    I have a query

    H1B extension filed -> Converted to Premium Processing -> RFE has been issued.

    What would be the next steps and timelines for those, in comparison with normal processing.

    Reply
    • AR,
      You premium processing clock will be reset now, once you have submitted the details of what is asked in RFE, the premium processing clock will resume. Discuss with your attorney.

      Reply
  18. Question about H1B transfer when the salary is less than LCA with current employer.

    Hi,
    Thank You for your advise in advance.

    I was working with employer A on OPT and now I am working on H1b for 1 year with the same employer. I am getting paid less than 50 % of the H1b LCA salary. (e.g. My H1B LCA is X+5000$ but my employer is still paying me X$.)

    Now, I got another offer and planning to transfer my H1B to employer B and employer B is ready to pay the appropriate salary required by DOL.
    Obviously for transfer, I need to provide my latest salary slips which shows salary 5000$ lesser than LCA. Will this cause any issue in H1B transfer.

    I also checked the list of documents where they are not asking for employer “A” LCA or I-129 where my LCA prevailing salary is described.

    Is there any way that during the transfer they will verify my DOL required salary against pay stubs? Or we are providing pay stubs just to prove current employment status.

    Will this cause any issue in H1B transfer? Please help, I’m worried.

    Reply
    • Bri,
      Well, it is a violation on the employer side and may or may not directly impact you. It is best to inform the attorney at the company that you are joining to be safe.
      Also, frankly you should speak to your employer and get your salary adjusted soon. The simple reason is that they are obligated to pay you as on LCA…Talk to your current employer as well, irrespective of the transfer and get the salary adjusted. You can report the violations to DOL as well. Your employer has singed legally that they will pay you as on LCA, so you should get it addressed…

      Reply
  19. Hi All,

    I’m currently working company A and got an offer company B on date Oct 1st 2019 then they started H1B transfer in premium mode on date Oct/18 th and receipt we got it , today is Oct 31st almost 12 days still status showing as “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed”, now my question are as below.

    1) what is the chance for approval
    2) Is there any chance for RFE since it crossed more than 12 days in PP
    3)I came to know if any RFE for PP usually they will update against case after receipt generate with in 6 to 10 days , is it true ?

    Regards,
    Hari

    Reply
    • You still have few days left…need to wait.
      It is hard to guess chances of approval, without knowing the application details, role, what was sent, etc…
      No, it is not like that, you can get approval on Day 15 or sometimes few days later…
      No, all speculations.

      Reply
  20. Hi Kumar,

    My company applied to the H1B with premium processing for FY2020. My case was selected in the lottery and my status was change to “Case Was Approved And My Decision Was Emailed” on May 20th.

    My lawyers haven’t heard back from USCIS yet… and they are still waiting for the approval notice. I thought that with the premium process USCIS you should know something in 15 days. Is this a common case?

    Reply
    • It seems that your case was approved, but the physical copy is not yet there in your attorney’s office. Ask them to follow-up with USCIS to send a copy of the approval notice. It could have been lost in the mail.

      Reply
  21. My company applied for H1B with premium processing for FY2020. Even though the 15 day period is over we have not received an update yet. The attorney is claiming they cannot reach out to USCIS because there is no receipt number yet and we will not know until we receive a rejection notice.

    Is this really true? What is the point of premium processing if we cannot even ask about the case after they don’t meet the SLA? What can I do?

    Please advice, Thanks!

    Reply
    • Yes, if your application was not picked in lottery, you cannot contact USCIS. The premium processing is only for applications that were picked in H1B lottery. Nothing you can do, just need to wait…As you have not heard back, the chances are very slim, please plan for backups.

      Reply
  22. Hi,
    I am currently in India as my 6th year of H1B with recaptured time expired on Jan 14th 2019. However my company had applied for PERM already by then it just got approved. I will be getting my i-140 by end of April 2019. After which my company will apply for my H1B 7th year extension. Given that it will get done in 1 month based on premium processing will I be able to enter the US as soon as I get my H1B extension approved (by May/June 2019) or will I have to wait for Oct 1st 2019.

    Thank you so much in advance!

    Juzer

    Reply
    • My company applied for H1B with premium processing for FY2020. Even though the 15 day period is over we have not received an update yet. The attorney is claiming they cannot reach out to USCIS because there is no receipt number yet and we will not know until we receive a rejection notice.

      Is this really true? What is the point of premium processing if we cannot even ask about the case after they don’t meet the SLA? What can I do?

      Please advice, Thanks!

      Reply
  23. Hi
    My attorney converted H1 B visa extension to premium processing. But LCA amendment is still pending, which is applied 6 months back. Any thought on what happens further?

    Regards
    Saj

    Reply
  24. Hi,
    Short and crisp story
    H1b transferred from emp A to emp B received RFE, Response received to USCIS on Aug 3, 2017.
    Client Project will be ending soon due to budget issue.
    Can I Find Emp C (which is little difficult bcz transfer initiated 10 month ago) and file one more transfer.
    Can Emp B file a Premium(As per their attorney its risky).
    How Long I need to wait.
    Emp B already file 2 SR.
    How to track SR online. they give me SR no but I dont know how to track.

    Reply
  25. Hi,

    I received RFE for which I responded on Aug 17th 2017. Currently the status in USCIS is ‘Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received’. It’s been more than 90 days now, there is no update on my case.
    Could someone please clarify if this is expected?
    Also, my passport expires on Jul 2018, I am worried as to what will happen if the approval gets delayed further.
    Please clarify.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Since its been more than 60 days from the day you have responded, you can request your Attorney to raise a service request for your case. You may or may not get proper response for SR. Since most of the cases are being responded in the same time frame as yours, there may be delay in processing. But note that since your case is in normal processing, there is absolutely no definite deadline before which USCIS would process the case. You may get the update as soon as today or as late as several months. If you require faster update from them, it is better to upgrade the case to premium processing. Please think on this and choose the best way to take.
      Regarding passport expiry, there is no issues at all. While going for stamping, it is enough if you have 6 months of validity too. Even other wise, you can apply for new passport and carry both for stamping. This is not a show stopper from getting the visa. You can also confirm this point with your Attorney/Employer/Immigration team. Good luck for your approval!

      Reply
      • Hi,

        My Husband H1 B status shows still ” case was received”. when we have consulted the company for premium processing they say we need to wait instead of applying it. As it is more than 8 month when can we expect status updated. Could someone clarify still how much will it take or how do we need to proceed.

        Reply
      • Hi Ram,

        My n my husband H1b was expired and it was under consideration with USICS since may 2017. I filled H4 EAD on september 2017. No response yet from USCIS.

        Now My husband switched his job and his company filled his H1b and my H4 on premium processing. I am expecting my visa renewal in next 15 days.
        However I just wanted to check what will happen to my EAD as I filled even before my husband opted for new job . Do I have to fill EAD again or wait for more time.

        Reply
  26. Hi, I submitted h1b rfe 2 months ago thru regular and I converted to premium 2 days back… will they start with processing from scratch or do they consider the document submitted during regular window….

    Reply
  27. Hi,
    I got an RFE on my H1B petition on September 19th, and the response to RFE was submitted along with an upgrade to premium processing. I have the following questions:
    1. Does upgrading the case to premium processing at the same time RFE is responded, have any negative implications?
    2. Is there anyone who got an RFE and got H1B approved eventually?
    3. What are the chances of getting denial after RFE?
    My company is very too the book, and does not do any shady business. They have responded to RFE questions by hiring an external evaluator. But I dont know if that helps at all.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • 1. I don’t think there is any negative impact on it. Just worried about manual errors that may arise like what if they process premium processing request first and then RFE response? If so, they would issue the same RFE again.(Happened this year for a couple of applications)
      2. Yes there are loads of them.
      3. Completely depends on the response that has been sent. If the response is not satisfactory they might deny. If they think about providing another chance, they would give another RFE. Completely depends on the VO and the documentation submitted.

      Reply
    • Hi,
      My H1B Status is Still in Initial Stage like it is in Received Status. I am Worried its been like six months and still it is in Same Stage.
      Can Some one help me on this, what i can do rather then waiting.

      Thanks,
      Kishore Bussa

      Reply
      • You can upgrade your case to premium processing. The turn around time is 15 calendar days. You can ask your attorney if thats an option.

        Reply
        • Hi Raman,
          But, my attorney said not recommended to do premium process, all he said need to wait. But, want to know what are the chances if I upgrade to premium process.
          Thanks for my concern and reply to my question.

          Reply
    • Hi,
      I’ve applied for a Regular H1B visa extension on 9/11 & as per my FedEx tracking it was received at the Nebraska centre by 9/12. My I-94 expired on 9/30 and it’s 10/29 today. I haven’t yet received any receipt from the USCIS for my application. Is it normal or acceptable for such a long delay. I know processing takes anywhere between 2-6 months. But the fact I haven’t gotten a receipt even is worrying me. If anyone could throw some light on this matter it would be highly appreciated. I’m really anxious as my employer is unable to provide any information & all I’m told is to wait.

      Reply
  28. Hi! My H1b extension petition was received by USCIS on April, 4th, then, On June, 5th it was transferred to another office. And it is still no any decision. Based on processing time posted on USCIS website, response should already come… No understanding what to do, no understanding why USCIS has processing times which do not work at all… Who can give any advice?

    Reply
    • The processing times published in their site are just average ones. It doesn’t mean all the cases filed before that would have an update. You can request your Attorney or Employer to call USCIS customer care and check on this.

      Reply
      • My case status has changed to “Request for evidence mailed”. I still have not received it, but assuming that I will not see a decision on my H1B before October 1st. I have read at several places that if your cap gap ends on september 30 and H1B is still pending you should stop working. Does that mean that my employer will fire me? or do I need to resign? Or can they send me on an Unpaid leave till the decision is made

        Reply
  29. Hi

    My company filed for my H1b extension which was received by USCIS on 03/28/2017 in regular processing. Its been 6months and status is same “case was received”. In their website it shows CSC is processing 2nd April petitions so why there is no update on my case? can anyone help please.
    Also, company attorney have already emailed/called them but still their is no response.

    Reply
    • Why don’t you ask your Attorney to raise a SR for your case? SRs would give more insights on whats happening. Probably they are stuck some where in some checks. From my personal experience, I find the processing dates displayed in the site is of no use. I know of cases filed in 2016 & still pending with USCIS. So better to raise SR and follow it up with USCIS. Good luck! Do post your outcome.

      Reply
  30. Is anyone else STILL waiting on the H1B approval/decision? My case has had no movement since the first week of May when it was transferred to a different office. My OPT is running out in the beginning of October and my attorney said I’m unauthorized to work between the OPT expiration and the H1B approval. Is this correct? I thought I would get an automatic extension when the petition is still pending? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • I am still waiting for an update on my H1B petition. My case was not transferred to any other office. The only status I see is “case was received”. I am also running out of my OPT on October 1st.

      Reply
      • Thanks for your input! I’m really hoping we will hear back asap. It’s not exactly ideal to be here in this country paying rent and bills, not being allowed to work and not knowing how much longer the wait is for the approval. My company has to make arrangements to prepare in the case I need to be out for a couple of weeks while waiting..

        Reply
    • My case status has changed to “Request for evidence mailed”. I still have not received it, but assuming that I will not see a decision on my H1B before October 1st. I have read at several places that if your cap gap ends on september 30 and H1B is still pending you should stop working. Does that mean that my employer will fire me? or do I need to resign? Or can they send me on an Unpaid leave till the decision is made?

      Reply
    • I was in the same situation. I went on an unpaid vacation as I am legally not allowed to work after Sep 30th, if the case is still pending.

      Reply
  31. Hi,

    I have stamped H1B visa valid till 22Nov,2017 . My employer has filed Amendment cum extension on 28Jul,2017(as there is a change in client and location) . Could you please let me know whether I can travel with the old stamped visa ,once I receive the amendment acknowledge receipt . Or do I need to go for stamping after my Amendment cum extension got approves before I travel.

    Reply
  32. Hi,

    My fiance filed for his H1 B extension in Nov 2016 and is still not approved. Am worried… when can I expect it to be approved? Anyone facing similar issues?

    Thanks
    Priya

    Reply
      • @ Kumar,

        Thank you. My fiance’s attorney confirmed that it takes about 8 months now a days to get the visa approved… and hence he may receive it by June end. Do you know anyone whose H1 B extension visa has taken this long to get approved?

        Thanks
        Priya

        Reply
        • Priya,
          I am not sure, how much of that is correct, there are exceptions of course, but not all of them should take that long, unless there was an RFE for the petition. Ideally, after 3 months or so, the employer should upgrade the petition for transfers to avoid delays. The 8 months timeline is probably correct for someone who have filed after April 1st, 2017 because of the cancellation of premium processing. Again, every case is different, ask for more details, if there was an RFE, etc.

          Reply
          • Hi Kumar,

            My fiance had filed his H1B extension on 15th November 2016 and was accepted by USCIS on 1st December 2016. He followed up with his attorney a week back and got to know that it might come by end of July 2017. He is awaiting his i-797 form… Do you think this much delay is normal?

            Thanks
            Priya

          • Priya,
            Delays can happen, it all depends on case. There are cases that lasted over 8 months too. If you are in urgency, you can consider upgrading to premium…but, I guess that is not available now..so, you have to wait.

    • My petition is filed on May, 24 2017. when possibly i could get receipt number. It is h1b under cap exempt, stamped in October 2011

      Reply
  33. Great article!!!

    Thank you very much for sharing this detailed post on H1B Visa..It was very interesting and helpful.

    Reply
  34. Hi All,
    I received update as Adjudication from my Company, does this mean case picked in lottery and pending for decision.
    Thanks

    Reply
  35. My Employer has applied for my H1 B extension and application has been Received by USCIS on 2nd August 2016
    the usual non – premium extension would take 2-6 months as per discussions in above thread
    Howe ever its been 9 months since I applied for extension and I hear no status on it.

    What is the maximum turn around time that can take for the Non Premium Extension processing

    Reply
  36. Hi, my H1B extension application on premium processing was delivered to USCIS office on 31st March 2017. so far my attorney has not received receipt number also… it has been more than 15 calendar days.

    Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,
        Attorney said that we need to wait until we hear about receipt number…. They can not call to USCIS and ask for status update based on fedex tracking number… Attorney need atleast receipt number to check with USCIS… not sure how true it is…..
        Thanks for your reply…

        Reply
        • Senthil,

          Kind of true. For accurate information, you need the receipt number. Maybe once 30 days have elapsed and no information is received, they can contact USCIS to ask about it. It is possible that USCIS issued the receipt number but it was lost in transit etc.

          Reply
  37. Hi,

    I have valid H1B stamped visa in my passport till 2019. I did not travelled to US until now. So I transferred my H1b to another employer and got it approved. Can I travel to US on previous employer valid visa and new I797 H1b approval?
    Or do I need to go for stamping again with new employer approval notice?
    I haven’t travelled to US on my first h1b visa.
    Anyone had same situation please reply.

    Regards,
    Gautham

    Reply
    • Gautham,

      You can travel using the old visa stamp and new petition, as long as both have not expired and are still valid. When entering US, mention to PoE officer that you will be working for new employer as per new petition; or else they would assume you will be working for the employer as per the visa stamp.

      Reply
  38. I submitted my H1b -extension on July 2016, but it is yet to be approved.
    Recently my employed assured me that they have moved my case to Premium just before the deadline of April 3rd,2017.
    But my case status does not reflect any change as to whether it was accepted under premium or not.

    Does it mean that my premium has not been accepted or there is still any chance of getting any updates for my case.

    Reply
    • Did you get any update about your visa extension? My employer filed for my h1b extension on 2nd September and I am still waiting.

      Reply
  39. I got my H1 stamped in 2014 but never traveled to the US as my project got delayed etc. In 2016 I left my job and enrolled for a Masters program in US on F1. My H1 was revoked on request of my old company due to my resignation. Now when I look for a job in US, will it be a change of status based on my previously stamped visa or do I have to go through a fresh process of lottery etc

    Reply
  40. Submitted my H1B this past week and arrived to USCIS on Friday prior to the April 3rd deadline for premium processing. Do you know how long they are taking right now to issue the receipt? thanks!

    Reply
    • Ceci,

      As it was received on Mar 31, it will be considered as PP. So the receipt should be known within a week through email.

      Reply
      • Yes. I thought I had posted it before! Sorry if it didnt get through. Per fedex, received on the 31st. USCis sent receipt last wednesday. It was from the California office. Did you track it with Fedex?

        Reply
        • I’m on the same boat, Employer sent h1b transfer through PP on Wed (3/29), should be received on 3/30. Employer forward me scan copy of H1b receipt (from Vermont center) which clearly mentioned that its in PP but received date is Apr 03, 2017. But as of today 4/13, my case status is still showing “Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was Emailed”. I never show PP case touching 15 days mark or beyond. As my Employer never shared my fedex number, do think my case was selected for PP as Receipt notice (797C) mentioned Notice Type: Premium Processing. And also online status mentioned “…Receipt Notice Email”, as only PP notice notices sent through email.

          Thanks!

          Reply
          • Have you received any update on your case. I have same dates and waiting for decision on h1b petition. Today is the 14th calendar day.

          • I am also on the same boat. My transfer case is accepted under PP and I received RFE and my employer submitted RFE response on 30APR and USCIS site also mentions 1st May. But after that till now i.e. 23 May. No updates from USCIS. It has been 3 weeks now…

            Not sure what can be done.

            Anyone, any idea….

  41. Hi,

    I am currently with an employer A and got an offer from employee B, as premium processing is being stopped from Apr 3rd. They have requsted me to join their company once the receipt number is generated. I have below queries

    1. What is the timelines for H1b transfer in regular processing ?
    2. Does USCIS has any SLA or not ?
    3. What is the worst case scenario If my H1b transfer gets rejected ?

    Thanks a lot in advance !

    Reply
  42. Hi,

    I have H1b visa stamped and now my employer is filing an ammendment, Is the premium processing suspended for ammendments as well? how long will it take for an ammendment under regular processing?

    Thanks,
    Satya

    Reply
  43. Hi ,
    My case is in response received status changed on Nov 2016, still waiting. How long it will take to change the status, is that not going to change or need to forget about this.Mine is WAC centre and is this taking long time this year.

    Reply
  44. I got RFE on my H1-B, sent documents, USCIS case status changed to “Response To USCIS’ Request For Evidence Was Received” on dec 12 2016. When is the last date to get response from USCIS for H1-Bs applied in april 2016. as in March 2017 new cases will be filed for Fiscal yeah 2018.

    Reply
  45. Hi

    I am on a cap exempt h1b visa with employer A , Now I cap subject employer has given me a position and filed for h1b transfer with all supporting documents. I have never been subject to cap in past, but I have all the documents required for h1b transfer and filed for h1b transfer, will there be any concerns here

    Reply

Leave a Comment