H1B Visa processing by USCIS can vary greatly depending on the service center you filed with and the processing type you chose. When you apply for an H1B petition with USCIS for the first time, or transfers, or extensions, you may wonder about the processing times, delays, typical processing times, if there is an SLA, and many other questions.
In this article, we will review types of H1B Visa processing, the difference between regular vs. premium processing, fees, 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.
- How to Check USCIS Case Status online using a Case Receipt Number.
- Understanding the meaning of H1B Case/Petition Receipt Number
- H1B Statuses RFE, Approval, Denial and, How to check
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 :
- Regular processing
- 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 employers use Regular processing.
H1B Regular Processing Documents, Fee
There are no additional documents or fees that an employer needs to submit when filing an H1B petition under regular processing. The employer would submit USCIS standard Form I-129 along with the relevant H1B Filing Fee and supporting documents as listed in the 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 no need to file Form I-907 or pay an additional premium processing fee when submitting under regular processing.
How long does USCIS take for H1B Regular processing?
USCIS has no fixed duration or Service Level Agreement(SLA) time for H1B Regular processing. It totally depends on the filing location and the load at the USCIS processing center. Every case is unique, and processing times can vary.
Based on USCIS historical processing times, from the last six years (FY 2020 to FY 2025), it can take anywhere from 1.8 months to 3.5 months for the H1B petition filed in Regular processing using Form I-129.
For FY 2025 (until the end of May 2025), as you can see in the screenshot below, the regular processing time for H1B petitions is about 3.5 months. See the screenshot below from the USCIS website based on historical processing times for the last six years.
If the applicant gets an RFE (Request for Evidence), 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 within 2 months. To check current processing times by service center, you can check the article Check USCIS H1B Visa Processing times.
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 needs 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 2026 season petition or for transfers in 2025, you must submit $2,805 towards the 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 the Fiscal Year(FY) 2025 season ( until May 31st, 2025), the current premium processing time average is about 0.4 months, which is about 12 days. If you were to file in premium, you should get a decision in less than two weeks 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 a few months.
The fee and SLA for H1B extensions are the 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 the location of filing and the processing times at the USCIS 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. But, this may change with the second term of the Trump administration in 2025 as they are looking at some changes to the H1B program.
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 4 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 have tried to file H1B in premium processing because they know the decision will be made faster and can plan accordingly 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 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 not need to wait till October 1st, and secondly, they are changing between companies, you do not want to be stuck with the old employer during this time. You can consider doing premium when you are at the beginning of August or early September.
Applied for an H1B Petition, 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 4 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 correctly filed and the company is good, you should get approval.
Here are a 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 must process the premium 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 reported success, and their application decision was made within a week of 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 the USCIS website, which is under the bottom section where you check your case status.
- Just wait. I understand the anxiety…but there is no shortcut.
H1B Visa FY 2026 Processing timelines – Regular vs. Premium?
USCIS did not suspend premium processing for the H1B FY 2026 season. So, we have premium processing for H1B FY 2026 season. If you were to file the H1B petition during FY 2026 in premium processing, you would get a decision within 15 days. As per the historical data until May 2025, it is 0.4 months, which is around 12 days time.
Regarding regular processing for FY 2026 cap-subject petitions, we do not have any data yet. Below are some data points for your reference.
- USCIS Historical Trend Data: According to USCIS’s historical processing times as of May 31st, 2025, the processing time is about 3.5 months (see the above screenshot).
- Current Trend Data: According to current processing times, the Texas Service center’s processing time is approximately 8 months. See the data below 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 8 months.
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
Common FAQs
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.
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
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 4 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 ?
Wanted to know
1) how long it takes to get receipt number after filing for H1 transfer.
2) after getting receipt number, how long it takes to approval of petition for transfer?
AK,
1. Employer/attorney should receive it within 1-2 weeks. If they don’t receive it within 30 days, then they should call USCIS and follow-up
2. Under regular processing it can take 2-6 months to process.
Hi Saurabh,
My wife has J1 VISA and me and our 3 kids have J-2 Visa.
This Visa finishes at 6/30/2012. She will apply for H-1B in 4/1/2012 and we know that we have to wait until 10/1/12 so she can able to work(if her application approved). Is there any solution for the gap between 6/30/2012 and 10/1/2012, because at that time she will not has Visa at all(neither the rest of us).
Is it possible we remain in the US the above time because she will wait for the approval or the denial of her H-1B Visa?
If it is not possible to remain in the US in 6/30/2012 until 10/1/2012, is there any solution in this matter?
Thank you in advance for your kind help.
Ggerasimmos,
It could be an issue as there will be a gap b/w the continuity of I-94s. You would need another visa (say B-1) to allow you to stay in US b/w 6/30 and 10/1. Check w/ an attorney for more options.
Dear Saurabh,
Thank you very much for your reply.
If my wife remains in J1 Visa status, is it possible to receive payment for her work to her school as a teacher?
Ggerasimmos,
She will be on J-1 visa until June 2012, and she can continue to do her usual J-1 work until then. She cannot work on J-1 after that date unless J-1 is extended. BTW, are you subject to 2 year home residency as part of J-1 or do you guys have the waiver?
Dear Saurabh,
Thank you for your reply.
We have the waiver.
My wife is a teacher of Greek language. She is in the US for 3 years.
All those years receive payments from Greece and not from the US Charter school that she works for.
There is a possibility to take an extension from the Greek government for two more years to stay and work in the US charter school but without payment from Greece.
If she manage it to take the two years extension of J-1 Visa then is it possible to receive monthly payments from the US charter school instead of Greece?
Ggerasimmos,
Check w/ a lawyer about it, as I am not sure.
Hello Saurabh,
I would like to ask you another one thing.
Me and my family are Greek.
As I am in the US if I change my status (CHANGE OF STATUS) to E-1 or H-1B, is it possible then to travel outside USA and then come back with the change of status in the US?
OR I have to receive my Visa E-1 or H-1B from the consulate of my country before I come to USA?
If I have to HAVE the Visa is it possible to issue it in the consulate of another country, for instance Canada instead of Greece?
Is it possible to issue the Visa from the Greek Consulate within USA?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Ggerasimmos,
I don’t know about E-1, but w/ H-1 you will have to get H-1 visa stamped from the consulate in order to return to US on H-1 and work on the same. COS allows you to continue to stay and work, but it ends once you leave US.
Hi Sourabh,
while checking the status on USICS site I came accross the following line.
CRI89 PETITION TO REMOVE CONDITIONS OF PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS RECEIVED
and its showinh as initial review. Do you have any idea what does it means.
Thanks
Nikita
Nikita,
This message is usually displayed when one has a pending GC application. Have you filed H-1 or GC? If H-1, then follow-up w/ the employer/attorney to sort that out.
Wife’s petition got approved today.. Vermont Nov 18th
Hi Saurabh ,
I have a EAC petition for H1B @ vermont filed on Nov1 ,When can i expect it to be processed ?
Krishna,
VSC is currently processing late Oct early Nov petitions. So your petition may get processed any time in next 1-3 weeks.
Hi Saurabh,
My status is currently showing as RFE dated 14th FEB. Its clearly mentioned that the information required has been mailed.
However my employer is saying that Pls wait for minimum 4 weeks from the date showing in the website to receive the RFE information from USCIS. Will let you know once we get the information from USCIS.
I am very much worried whats happening now:(
Does converting to premium processing will help here to expedite?
Thanks for all ur help!
AD,
It usually takes around 1-2 weeks to receive the RFE details, although at times it can take up to 30 days. Upgrading to PP at this point will not help much. However, you can upgrade it to PP at the time of filing RFE response as then USCIS will adjudicate the response within 15 calendar days.
Hi,
I had petition with WAC filed on 4th Nov,got RFE today.its normal processing. how much time it will take to get notice and respond to RFE. Please let me know the duration.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Brother
Brother,
Your employer/attorney should receive the RFE details within 1-2 weeks (at times it takes up to 30 days). Time allowed to respond to RFE is usually 60 days but will be mentioned in the RFE notice as well.
Hi Saurabh,
My H1b petition was approved on 16th Feb .How long it will take to receive the hard copy the approval ..Thanks
Jaison,
Employer/attorney should receive the hard copy within 1-2 weeks (at times up to 30 days). They can then fwd the document to you. If they don’t receive it within that timeframe, then they should call USCIS and follow-up.
Hi Saurabh,
My company filed my H1B VISA extension on Jan 5th, 2012. When can I expect my approval notice? Actually, my company is planning to change my client and my work location (it would be another state). Would it have any adverse impact on my VISA processing? Please help.
Rgds,
Vikas
Vikas,
Processing can take 2-4-6 months. If USCIS issue RFE for client information and you have changed client by that time, then it may require filing another LCA and I-129. Talk to your attorney on how they plan to tackle such a situation.
Thanks a lot for the information Saurabh.
Hi Saurabh
I really appreciate you spending the time to reply to our queries patiently.
My present H1B VISA is expiring in March,2012(so is my wife’s H4B VISA). My H1B(and my wife’s H4B) extension has already been approved till March 2015 and we have received the I 797 approval notice with the extended I-94S. So we do not have the VISA extension stamped yet. Now my wife plans to go to India this April for personal reasons and I do not plan to accompany her. So my question is whether her H4B VISA would be approved and stamped(and she can return to the US without any hassles) without me going to India to get my H1B extension stamped this April?
Thanks
Anand
Anand,
Her visa stamping will not be adversely impacted by the fact that you are not accompanying her for the stamping. She can go alone as well. However, her stamping would be subject to rest of the checks and scrutiny.
Saurabh,
My H1B petition filed with VSC on Oct24th under normal processing mode got approved on Feb21st.
Congrats Aravind!
Hi Saurabh –
My new employer filed H1B for me in Premium processing. I received a query (RFE) asking for my recent paystubs (dec 2011 till feb 2012) and W2 2011. My current employer does not send us paystubs in mail while they are available in ADP. When I looked into my ADP I saw the state was mentioned incorrectly. Even though my work location is PA they have mentioned CT for last 2 paystubs. In paystubs before that, its shown as PA which is correct. I reported my current employer to correct it but I am left with no option but to submit these paystubs only for RFE. Will this change in state affect at all my H1 processing approval?
Thanks
Sarah,
I don’t think it will cause an issue except that USCIS can raise the question where you are working currently as your state is different in payslips. USCIS may not get into the details of the state tax etc, but may just look at them to confirm that you are currently getting paid and maintaining legal status.
Thanks Saurabh for responding. Now that error has occurred , Is there any way I can correct it or get additional documents from my current employer to support this is mistake in payroll while I am working in PA only. That too state is mentioned CT while my residential address is mentioned correct (PA). Same error happened from my employer last year as well. They mentioned incorrect state in my payroll , after 2 payrolls they corrected state. But I checked my W2 for last year 2011 and it show state as PA so this is error only in my 2 paystubs for last year. And now when same error has happened again and my H1 processing in RFE, I want to be prepared with some document that can support this error now and in future. Please advise.
Sarahb,
You can submit alternate documents like DL, utility bill etc to show that you are in PA. Maybe USCIS will not even ask for it and overlook at state taxes mentioned in the payslip.
Hi Saurabh,
My petition submitted on Oct6th 2011 went to RFE today.
I know its difficult to tell when it will finish.
But by RFE.. does it mean the documents from company are not sufficient or from the candidate? any difference in status for bot these situations?
Thanks for your time
Krishna,
RFE could be issued for various reasons. At times it is b/c of missing documents, and at times it’s just for clarification or more information. Your employer/attorney will know the exact reason once they receive the RFE notice.
Hi Saurabh,
I have one question for you. My Employer has filed my H1-B on OCT 14th to California Service Center (WAC) in Normal Processing but still the website is showing “Initial Review” Status. I saw some of the posts and you have mentioned it took anytime between 2-6 months but I also saw some of the posts where people have received their approvals for October and November. What could be the chance to get approval and how soon I can expect the result?
Jay,
Your petition should get processed anytime now. If it doesn’t get processed in next couple of weeks, your employer should call USCIS and follow-up. It is not possible to give you the probability of approval as it case subjective.
Hi Sourabh,
we have filed our petition on November 22, due to there is too much delay my employer upgraded my case to premium 3 day ago. It was showing in USCIS website that the case was upgraded to PP. But suddenly now it turned to “Acceptance” status. I am not sure whats going on..can you please help me understand?
Regards,
Nick
Nick,
When it is upgraded to PP, it at times goes back to Acceptance status. I think the reason is b/c it gets assigned to different case officer and is put under Acceptance status. As it is PP, it would be adjudicated within 15 calendar days.
Thanks for your reply. Appreciate all your knowledge sharing
– Nick
Sourabh,
In 1 day the status moved from Acceptance to Post decision activity. And my petition got approved —
Thanks a lot for everything that you shared your experience. Finally I am out of tension now
— Nick
Congrats Nick!
Hello all & Sourabh,
Here I am writing my experience and it has a happy ending. I thought this experience can help people who are still waiting and panic for their cases. I would say, we/attorney plays key role and they should file with proper documentation and of course, we should have good support from our employers too
1. November 22nd – My case for H1B with COS was filed at Vermont, we waited till February and as per Sourabh’ suggestion, I ask my employer to upgrade it to PP
2. February 21st – On this date my employer upgraded my case to PP and the same is updated in USCIS website as Acceptance status
3. February 24th- at this date, the USCIS updated again with Post decision activity and the case is updated. They also mentioned that they send the approval notice by email. Our attorney received the notice and observed that USCIS approved my case only for 1 year.
4. March 1st- on this date, our attorney again contested USCIS on previous decision of approval period (1 year). Because we have submitted a proper end-client letter that clearly showed the need of me till 2015. Then they contacted USCIS and they agreed and issued amended notice
5. March 5th- on this date, USCIS approved my amended notice and issued approved amended notice to our attorney. Now they approved till the date we requested in our petition
Thanks a lot Sourabh for your valuable time& suggestions
Regards,
nICK
Congrats Nick! Nice to see that USCIS accepted their mistake and approved the petition until the requested date.
Sourabh,
In 1 day the status moved from Acceptance to Post decision activity. And my petition got approved –
Thanks a lot for everything that you shared your experience. Finally I am out of tension now
— Nick
Hi Saurabh
My visa was applied on 17th Nov regular at VSC …when can i expect a decision…i see in the forums some applications for oct end are already approved…
Vishal,
It may take few more weeks for them to process mid-Nov petitions.
Saurabh,
I have submitted my I129application on Nov3rd at california service center. Looks like people who submitted their application after me got their visa. Is this normal? Let me know your thoughts.
Swamy,
It is not a single queue from which an application is picked one at a time. They are distributed in batches, and it is possible that a petition filed after you gets processed before yours.
Thanks!!!
I got the below message on the USCIS website, which says the request is approved.
Can somebody please tell me what will be the next step ?
On February 21, 2012, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.
For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.
Hello Prashant,
Your lawyer or employer should recieve the approval notice and should give you I-797. When did you apply for your H1B
Hi Vidhi,
Thanks for the info. I applied on Nov 14,2011.
Prashant,
Can you tell us to which center you sent your application? California or Vermont?
Hi Saurabh,
My H1b was filed at California center on Nov3rd (regular processing; starts with WAC). When can i expect the result?
Thanks in advance!!!
Hi Swamy,
My petition was also filed to california centre on the same date 3rd nov with regular processing already received approval on 16 feb.so you will be getting anytime soon.
Hello Sarika,
I noticed ur previous post. We filed on the same day and its over 6days still my status on USCIS says “initial review”. Thats y i am concerned. Anyways thanks for the reply.
My H1B was filed on Nov 14 and i got an RFE on Nov28 asking for SOW between client and my company.My due date to respond to RFE was Feb 20.Due to delay from client i could not send completely signed but only signed by my company.I have got the completely signed SOW now but the due date has crossed already.Is there anyway in which the new SOW can be sent to USCIS.My status has changed to received RFE Response already .Incase there is no way to send the new SOW,what are the chances of petition to be approved.
Hi Saurabh,
My H1 was filed on Nov 14 and i got an RFE on Nov28 asking for SOW between client and my company.My due date to respond to RFE was Feb 20.Due to delay from client i could not send completely signed but only signed by my company.I have got the completely signed SOW now but the due date has crossed already.Is there anyway in which the new SOW can be sent to USCIS.My status has changed to received RFE Response already .Incase there is no way to send the new SOW,what are the chances of petition to be approved.
Sonalee,
I am not sure. Your employer/attorney will have to call USCIS to check if the additional document can be submitted or not.
Hi Saurabh,
My H1 petition was file with in VSC on Sept 28,2011 but still my petition status is showing as Initial Review. Any idea when it will be approved??
Mine was also filed on Sep 21st still in initial review…dont know why?
My friend’s petition filed on Sep30. She received RFE recently. Most of my friends petitions filed on October 1st week got approved. VSC is into October petitions now.
Prabudoss,
It should get processed anytime now. Your employer can call USCIS and follow-up on the same.
Hi Saurabh,
My petition went to RFE on Feb 22 and i am waiting for mail from USCIS regarding the documents they need.. When can i expect that mail?
Prabudoss,
Employer/attorney should receive the RFE mail within 1-2 weeks (worst case scenario it can take up to a month). They can then fwd the details to you.
Hi Saurabh,
My H1b pettion got approved and its a premium case.I got approval on 2 nd feb in site.But still not received documents.Is it like it will take 3-4 weeks to reach us.Also,by your experience i want to knw is there are chances for getting rejected In PA since i got RFE and all docs are already verified.Please let me know the chances of getting approved…
Roopal,
Your employer/attorney should receive the approval documents within 1-2 weeks. In some cases it can take up to 30 days. If they don’t receive anything by that time, then they should call USCIS and follow-up.
Yes, there is still a chance of rejection during PA even if the petition has been approved. Success of petition doesn’t guarantee successful stamping.
Hi,
My petition which is approved on 2 feb still not receieved by Us attorney and the USCis states that they sent the mail as per site.Can u plz let me know wat will be the issue bcz other who got approved on 3 feb got their docments…
Roopal,
If the attorney doesn’t receive it within 30 days, they should contact USCIS and follow-up. If it was lost in transit, your employer can request a duplicate.
Hi Saurabh,
30 days excluding weekends or including sat-sun….???
Roopal,
Calendar days. If the attorney wants, they can call USCIS earlier as well. As it was a premium processing case, they can email USCIS as well.
Hi Saurabh,
My petition approved on 2 feb still not get petition documnets.Attorney said still not rcvd from USCIS.Plz suggest how can we contact them…
Roopal,
It has been 30 days since your petition was approved. Ask your attorney to call USCIS and follow-up. It might have been lost in transit.
Hi Saurabh,
My attorney got the petitin document.Can you plz let me know is anyone H1b recently approved for Louisville ,kentucky US since in our compnay this is firts time H1b appying for kentucky.Is there any issue while interview for Kentucky?
Roopal,
I don’t know anyone approved for that location. I don’t think any special issues arising b/c of this.
Hi Saurabh,
My petition got approved on 17th feb under normal processing , and the current status shows initial review.
What is the average time to get the hard copy of the approved petition to india.
Thanks,
Anil
Anil,
Employer/attorney should receive it within 1-2 weeks. At times it can take up to 30 days. They can then fwd it to you in India.
Hello Saurabh,
First of all thanks for the amazing Job you are doing.
My H1B Extension petition was filed on October 6, 2011 at Vermont processing center (Sorry forgot to mention in the previous post) and my application Status is still in Initial Review. Do you have any idea when I should expect my H1-B petition to get approved? I will really appreciate your help.
Vidhi,
Extensions can take 2-6 months to process. When did your I-94 expire? A person can stay in US for at most 240 days after I-94 expiration date based on pending extension petition.
My I-94 does not expire until 2013 they had to file for an ammendment so filed for an extension with it. As per the USCIS website as per Dec 31, 2011 they are currently processing the Petitions for Oct 2,2011 so do you think they should process mine soon? mine was filed on Oct 6,2011 at VSC
Vidhi,
Their online processing times are not always accurate. In general it can take 2-6 months, and you are close to completing 5 months. Your employer can also call USCIS and follow-up.
Thanks a lot Saurabh. Based on the posts other people have put on this website seems like people who filed in the first week of October have started to get approval notices. My employer said that they cannot make an inquiry until 30 days after the current USCIS processing dates have passed.
Vidhi,
Most of the people posting here are new applicants, while your petition is cap-exempt (extension). So it may not entirely be apple to apple comparison.
You can wait for next USCIS processing time update, to see when your employer will talk to USCIS.
Vidhi,
It seems many applications filed on Oct 6th 2011 are in Initial Review. Mine is also the same case. I checked around 30 applications changing the tracking numbers, strangely only Oct 6th applications are in Initial Review.
It seems some officer with extra work.. or time taking guy might be handling these cases.. or else on holiday.. 😉
Hello Saurabh,
My H1B is filed with Vermount service centre on Aug 15th 2011 .I can see my case status as RFE since Jan9th 2012 .BUt,I didnt get any Email from my employer till now.
can you please tell me,How long does it take to get RFE Mail. and what might be the reason if it is delayed.
KSR,
All communication is sent to the employer/attorney. Did you check w/ them if they have received the RFE notice?
Hello Saurabh,
Thanks for your reply.
I’ve checked with my employer .Thay are saying that they didnt recieve any updates from USCIS.
What might be the reason.
Thanks in Advance.
KSR,
It might have been lost in transit. Is the employer planning to call USCIS and follow-up on the case?
Yes Saurabh,
They said that,they will followup.
What is the normal time to recieve RFE mail ?
KSR,
USCIS prescribed timeframe is 30 days. In reality, it can be received within 1-2 weeks.
Hello Saurabh,
My employer called the USCIS today and raised a request for the Duplicate of the RFE.They said that we should have an answer in another 30 days.Will they Extend the RFE response time in this case?
KSR,
I don’t know if they would extend the RFE deadline or not. You will have to check w/ attorney or USCIS.
Hello Saurabh,
RFE Submission date is not mentioned for my petition in the website.What does it mean?
My employer asked USCIS for duplicate RFE,as we didnt get any details fom USCIS reg my RFE.
Thanks in Advance.
KSR,
RFE deadline will be in the RFE document your employer would receive and not on the website. Your employer should call USCIS and get the confirmation on the RFE deadline.
Hello Saurabh,
I got the RFE details today.I was asked to submit the Milestone plans,Purchase orders and payment advices.
Does the MSA and SOW doc contain the above said docs.
Please let me know.
Thanks In advance.
KSR,
I don’t know if they contain that information. You should check w/ employer.
When will petitions filed on 22 Nov get processed for CSC?will it be taken up in a months time?
MVM,
Yes, they may take a month to process Nov 22 petitions. However, as the pace of filing increased in Nov, that timeframe may change.
Hi Saurabh,
I came to US on L1 B and it was expired in july 2011 but my I94 is valid so my employer said as long as your I94 is valid you need not to apply for L1 extension.
As I have to travel to India my employer applied H1 B on 21st Nov 2011. Now I should travel to India in March but My visa is still in initial review.
My question is if I travel to India will that affect my visa processing? or should i wait for visa to be approved?
Hari,
If your H-1 has been applied w/ COS, then your COS will be abandoned once you leave US. This means your status would remain L-1 even after H-1 gets approved. To move to H-1, your employer either needs to apply COS from L-1 to H-1, or you need to get H-1 visa stamped from a consulate and enter on that visa. Other than that, H-1 would continue to be processed.
hi Saurabh ,
My petition was filed on 1 Nov @ vermont .When Can i expect a approval ?
Krishna,
They are currently processing Oct petitions. Your petition may get processed in another few weeks.
Petition Filed on VSC : 18-NOV-2011
My friend’s petition filed on 22-Aug-2011 at VSC got approved on 27-JAN-2012. Exactly 5 months from the filed date.
Does it mean that mine would get approved by end of April?
Vermont hasn’t started approving Sep/Oct/Nov petitions?
Karthick,
VSC is currently processing Oct-Nov petitions. Your petition may get processed in another 1-2 months.
Thanks Saurabh! You are doing a fabulous job.
Hi Saurabh,
Since L1’s are getting denied , is it better to apply L1 and H1 together ?.. if L1 rejected H1 approved by june can i travel to US on business visa.. ??
Raju,
It will depend upon the employer, your profile and the jon requirements. If the job requires use of employer proprietary skills/tools/application/technology, and if you have worked for the employer for at least 1 year then you are eligible for L-1. If the job requires specialized knowledge w/ at least 4 years of college education, then you are eligible for H-1.
Hello saurabh,
my employers filled I 129 petition from Vermont Service centre in the month of Nov 15th 2011, still it showing initial review, what should i can do for my processing, to whom i have to contact for processing details. if i ask my company people they were telling that we have for the response. So please help me.
Kiran Kumar,
VSC is currently processing Oct petition. Your petition may get processed in another 1-2 months.
Hi Saurabh,
My H1b application is filed on 11-11-11 (11-Nov-2011) with normal processing.
Location: Houston
Still in intial review.
Please let me know the expected time to get the approval.
Regards,
Tarun.
Are you sure it is Houston, as far as i know H1 b processed only at Vermont and California.
i am not sure from which centre it is filed but my client invite letter /LCA is for houston location
Tarun,
Do you have access to your receipt number? If it starts w/ EAC then it has been filed at VSC and it may take another 1 month or so for them to process your petition. If it starts w/ WAC then it has been filed at CSC and it may get processed in another couple of weeks.
Thanks Saurabh I will confirm from my employer but they have not share the receipt number with me.
Hi saurabh,
I am applying for h1b in this april 1st.
I had worked for 3 years earlier in US till 2002.
My employer did not issue me an experience letter as I had left him in 2nd year due to his low pay. Inspite of several requests earlier he hasnt considered issuing me.I have an indian employer who had issued me experience letter that i worked for so and so clients in USA during 1999 to 2002.
Will that cause an issue? Please let know.
Hi Saurabh,
Can you please reply.
Samba,
I don’t think it will cause an issue. Do you payslips/W2 for those 3 years to show that you maintained legal status in US?
Hi Saurabh,
California centre started approval for petition filed in NOV.I got approval for H1B Petition.They sent it on 16 feb.Petition was filed on 3rd Nov at California centre with normal processing.
Sarika, Is it new H1B or extension of H1B which you have files on 3rd Nov.
It was New H1B petition.
Congrats Sarika. Nice to see that at least CSC is into the final month now.
Thanks Saurabh !!
How many days it can take to receive the hardcopy to my employer?
Do you have any idea for How many days h1b petition will be valid?
Please Reply !!
Thanks in advance.
Sarika,
It can take 1-2 weeks for the employer to receive the hard copy. In some cases, it can take even longer. The petition validity dates vary from case to case. It can be at most 3 years and as little as 1 year.
Dear Saurabh and All active followers of this great forum,
finally my wait is over, my petition filed on 18th oct, got approved.
USCIS site shows the status as ‘post decision activity’.
Thanks a ton to Saurabh for giving wonderful updates to keep us patient during tough waiting time.
Thanks a lot again..
Anil
Hi Anil,
Which Service centre was your petion filled?
Hi Anil,
Which Service centre was your petion filled? My petion was filled on Oct 10 in VSC..? Has anyone else got their approvals for a later date then Oct 10??
Hi AD,
Mine was filed at CSC
Congrats Anil!
Hi,
I have a question about processing time for H1B transfer petition in CA Center. My notice of receipt was issued on December 9, 2011. Up till now it is still “Initial Review”. When should I expect to receive a desicion?
Thanks!!
Iryna,
H-1 transfer can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months. In worst case scenario, it can take even longer.
Hi,
Presently i’m working an reputred indian IT company. They have submitted my H1B petition with premuim processing on 17thNov11 and got the RFE for H1B.On 1st FEB2012 i got the response like Rquest for response review and 13thFEB2012 it got updated with DECISION “we mailed you a denial decision notice for this case I129 PETITION FOR A
NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. The notice explains why the denial decision was made and the options
that may be available to you. If you have not received this notice within 15 days of February 13,
2012, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for further assistance.” Should i reopen my H1B petition? or USCIS will take any action with my H1B petition?. Please response my query ASAP.
Should i reopen my H1B petition after denial notice were sent? or USCIS will take any further action with my H1B petition?
Anupriya,
You should talk to your employer and attorney about this. If you all think that the petition was denied on wrong basis and should have been approved based on the provided information, then you can appeal against the decision or file MTR. USCIS may take few to several months to process the request. The other alternate would be to file H-1 through another employer in FY-13 quota.
Hi Anupriya,
what was the rfe details? i also got RFE for my premium and I am also working for a big IT MNC in india.
Can you please share sm details on RFE u recieved.
Hi Shreyas,
Submitted for RFE:Exhibit_7 letter,Affidavit and current employer offer letter/salary revistion letter.
Can some one confirm me, that my petition got rejected,after got tke “decision” by USCIS?
-Anu
Hi Anupriya,
what was the rfe details? i also got RFE for my premium and I am also working for a big IT MNC in india.
Hi Saurabh
In the website, the H1B petition for my husband is in RFE.
Does RFE means rejection?
Hey Subha,
RFE does not mean rejection.
It means there was no sufficient documents pertaining to the case and they need more documents for verification.
Even I got RFE, and got case approved.
Thanks Bebu for the response.
We got RFE on H1B,so was a bit upset 🙁
How long did it take for you to get approved after getting RFE?
We did the petition on 27th sept and got RFE on 14th Feb.
Shall we go for PP at this time?If at all the employer is ready.
I had done PP …so I responded RFE on 26th Jan, 2012 and my case got approved on 30th Jan, 2012.
I have no idea regarding regularly processing of the cases related to RFE.
If you have no time constraint regarding approval of H1B, you can for regular processing also.
Both of them are equal, but PP is for the people who are in rush for getting the status change.
Hi Saurabh,
I had applied for H1B visa for the year 2010, H1B petition got approved in the month of Jan 2011. But my company don’t have client letter, I have given another employer to transfer H1B petition. They have applied for transfer in last week of Jan 2012. On Feb 9th 2012 USCIS have asked them educational credential valuation report. Present company have submitted this document. I am having BE Computer science and working for a US based s/w MNC in Bangalore.
When my petition will get approved? Since I have applied in the year of 2010 quota and transferred to another company, how many years visa validity will I get it?
Kasim,
I think it will get approved based on the information you have provided. USCIS will issue it for a term depending upon:
– what your employer requested
– what they feel appropriate based on submitted documents
Even if it is approved for a lesser term, you can continue to file extensions until you reach your 6 term limit. As you have never been to US, you are still eligible for 6 years of H-1 in US.
Hello Saurabh,
As I told you my H1B got approved for 3-years also I got i-94
But today I received following notice from USCIS.
Can you please explain me what it is?
Application Type: I129 , PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Your Case Status: Initial Review
On February 16, 2012, the post office returned the notice we last sent you on this case I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER as undeliverable. This may have serious effects on processing this case. Please call 1-800-375-5283 to update your mailing address for this notice to be re-sent.
During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews the applicant’s/petitioner’s criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators.
If you have filed an I-485, I-589, I-751, N-400, I-90, I-821, I-131 or I-765, you can expect to receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints and/or photographs taken. The timing of your appointment is determined by the number of applicants ahead of you that also need a biometric appointment. We try to schedule biometric appointments as quickly as possible and in most cases you will receive your appointment notice within 30 days of submitting your application. We will send your appointment notice approximately 14 days ahead of your scheduled appointment. It is important that you keep this appointment. If absolutely necessary, you can request that your appointment be rescheduled however, please be aware that rescheduling may delay the processing of your application. Please follow the instructions on your appointment notice if you need to reschedule. Occasionally, you may receive an appointment notice to appear at an Application Support Center to have your fingerprints taken when you have filed a form other than those listed above. In these situations, you may receive your appointment notice more than 30 days after submitting your application or petition.
Bebu,
Do you know if the approved 797 has been received by employer/attorney? If no, then its possible that the approval notice went undelivered and was returned to USCIS. Follow-up w/ your attorney on what document got returned and if they changed the address recently. I don’t think this is anything serious.
Hello Saurabh,
My case got approved on 31st Jan and attorney has send me the original i-797 notice of action on 7th feb itself. I have the originals with me and I applied for SSN also and it got approved.
I talked with my lawyer regarding this notice, so they informed that the USCIS might have send courtesy mail of approval to the employer and it was undelievered.
There’s no need to worry …. because we have the original approval notice.
And also they said they wont resend the copy so its better not to call them and get any updates.
What do you say?
Bebu,
As long as you have the approval notice, you should be fine. Your attorney might be right about the courtesy approval mail.
Hi Saurabh,
What is the exact time period for RFE under PP?
Like, my application was filed under Premium processing and i got RFE (as refecting on the USCIS website) on 13th of February, 2012. From 13th feb within how my days my employer needs to response to the RFE?
Thanks.
XYZ,
Usually petitioner is given 60 days to respond to the RFE. The exact time is mentioned in the RFE notice.
My company got the budgets for my H1B visa in April 2011. I completed the JD part, docs, etc bu July 2011. The peition/case was filed in USCIS on 21st Nov & I even have the VISA case no. When can I (approximately) expect the petition to get approved?
Chandra,
If filed at CSC (# starts w/ WAC) then it may take another 1-2 months, while if filed at VSC (# starts w/ EAC) then it may take another 2-3 months.
Thanks Saurabh,
BTW, forgot to mention, your site is really helpful… Keepup the good work!!! 🙂
Hi Saurabh,
I will be going to US on H4 visa and have plans to get it converted to H1 (company would sponsor ) but my question is do i have to wait for 2012 H1 window or cap. Can i apply for H1 in US anytime when the company would be ready ? Could you please help me out with the process of H4 to H1 ?
Thanks a lot in advance !!
Preeti,
If you didn’t held any H-1 visa in the past, then it can be filed only when the new cap opens which is April 1, 2012. Even then the earliest start date of employment is Oct 1, 2012 provided your petition is filed and approved w/ COS.
Hi Saurabh,
I have BSc Degree from Bombay University. I have worked in a bank in India for more than 28 years. I also have PG Diploma in Banking & Advance Management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
I am working with a jewelry wholesaler (INC Co.) since Oct 2011 on H1B visa as a Budget Analyst on a part time basis. Prior to coming to US in May 2011 on a tourist visa I was the Manager of their Back Office\ Liaison Office from Nov. 2010 to April 2011. They have now agreed to sponsor me for Labor Certification for Budget Analyst.
I need your advice on the following points:
Can I be eligible to apply under EB1 under the subcategory “Multinational Manager or Executive”.
If not, under which category would I be eligible to apply successfully?
Virani,
You may not qualify for EB-1 as your LCA is filed for Budget Analyst which is certainly not “Multinational Manager or Executive”. Based on the job requirements and your experience, you may qualify for EB-2 though. You can discuss the exact details w/ your attorney.
Hi Anand,
i saw your post that u r mechanical eng and ur petition got denied due to ur education. I am also mechanical Eng and got the same RFE on my education. I work for an reputed indian IT company.
I need to respond to my RFE. I need ur help to know what documents they asked you and what documents u sent. mine is also PP case.
please share your contact # or mail me on mohitras at gmail dot com..I nreally need your help here
thanks,
Mohit
Hi Mohit,
|I am also mechanical eng background. And my petition was filed on 18th Oct, still at initial review..So want to check on few things
1. Do you work for a software company ??
2. when did you file ur petition, was it under normal/premium processing??
3. Did you get to see the RFE details… is this rfe mostly because of mechanical background??
Thanks very much in advance.
Anil
yes Anil. I work for a reputed Indian MNC. I got an RFE as i am from non CS background having 6+ yrs in IT industry.
So I am submitting the detailed job duties letter from current and earlier employers.My case was PP.not sure why I got such RFE. m bit tesne due to this
Hi Anil,
My suggestion is that -Don’t go for PP. I am saying this as per the mail received from Employer/Attorney. Hope for the best. I have 11 years of experience in IT field and I have worked in topmost companies. I also have Canada, Africa exp but I am a Mech. Engr.
Regards, – Anand
hi Anand.Mohit here.
What mail your attorney sent about PP. can you please share some details. Any specific reasons for not applying with PP?
Thanks Saurabh!
Hi Saurabh,
Finally my H1b extension was approved on 30th January 2012 from VSC in normal process
Filed date : 19th Sep 2011
Approved : 30th Jan 2012
However i did not receive the hardcopy of the documents, its almost 2+ weeks.
How many days it takes to receive the hardcopy of approved documents.
Thanks & regards,
Vinod
Vinod,
Employer/attorney should have received the copy within 1-2 weeks (no documents are sent directly to you). Did you check w/ them? At times, because of postal delays it can up to a month.
Thank you for your response Saurabh
Actually i have checked with my employer, they said they did not receive it.
Oh! its horrible that postal guys are taking one month to deliver.
Probably you remember my case
—————–
I have travelled to india and came back to same project/employer when my extension was pending.
————
My petition is approved, but i dont know whether they have issue I-94.
Thanks & regards,
Vinod
Vinod,
That 1 month is the worst case scenario, and not very common. They can call USCIS and follow-up on your case. If it doesn’t arrive in another week or so, they may have to ask for duplicate 797.
Thank you Saurabh
I have received my documents and i have also received I-94 even though i have travelling to India during my pending H1B pending extension. It seems the extension was not abandoned.
Regards,
Vinod
Vinod,
USCIS has made mistakes in the past. So it may be prudent to follow-up w/ your attorney to be sure if the I-94 was issued correctly or in-error. Is the I-94 number on 797 same as old I-94 or same as the new I-94 issued when you entered US this time?
Hi Saurabh,
Old I-94 number has been printed on 797.
Is it legal to stay with above situation ??
Can you please advise on my available options.
Thanks & regards,
Vinod
Vinod,
It is better to talk to your attorney about it and take their advice.
Hi Saurabh,
I have a query regarding my H1 filing.
My H1B was filed through a consulting company in oct. I was said that it will be applied in PP and i paid for that. Till now my case is shown as “initial review”. When i asked my consulting company they said it in PP and have wait for USICS update.
But context on USICS site of online status uses “mail” word not “email”. Is this only one by which we can differentiate b/w PP and regular or do we have any other to know? On receipt amount was striked off.
I am in a confusion how should i ask them that it is in regular but not in PP.
Suresh,
All these are indications of filing under regular processing. If filed under PP, it should have been processed now and also the status would have said “email” and not “mail”.
Hi,
My petitionwas filed on 28-SEP-11 with receipt # starting with EAC.
Any idea when this can be approved.
Thanks in advance!
AD,
VSC is currently processing Sep-Oct petitions. Your petition may get anytime now (1-2 weeks).
Saurabh- Where are you getting the latest processing date information from ? I see the USCIS site and it still says Vermont was last updated on November 30th 2011 with case dates being August 2011
Gokul,
I am relying on the processing updates users are providing on this blog. That is more real time than USCIS website, which was last updated 2-3 months ago.
Gokul,
My frnds Vermont [EAC] Oct 24 Got Approved [No RFE].. Normal case.. on Feb 23
Hi AD,
Is your petition got approved??