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 ?
Hi Saurabh,
I got information from my employer that my H1B petition was withdrawn yesterday.
Today I have checked my status in USCIS website and my status is ” Request for Evidence Response Review “.
Can you please provide me the following information.
1) How long it will take to withdraw H1B petition.
2) Because my status is ” Request for Evidence Response Review ” in USCIS website. What is going to happen next.
Thank you very much !!!
SMS,
Don’t know how long it will take to withdraw. However, if the employer has mentioned that they have withdrawn the petition (and if they have really done so) it’s of no use anymore.
Hi,
My Petition date: 11th Nov 2011
RFE issue date: 27th Feb 2012
RFE responded date: 14th April 2012
RFE details: My client invite letter address(work location) was different from the address(work location) in LCA, H1 petition address(work location). Finally I submitted the client invite letter with the correct address as in LCA/H1 petition.
Still waiting for response from USCIS.
anyone with a similar case? if so can you pls let me know when can I expect the approval?
And its normal Processing
My Petition@ Vermont: 1st Nov 2011
RFE issue date: 15th Mar 2012
RFE responded: 13th Apr 2012 asking
It’s normal processing, and I’m still waiting…
Aw, please let me know wen u get ur status changed
My Petition@ Vermont: 21st Nov 2011
RFE issued date: 9th Mar 2012
RFE responded: 13th Apr 2012
It’s normal processing, and I’m still waiting…
Hi vikram,
Any update on your case?
No Update on my case yet..
mine too 🙁
Vikram,
Any update on your case?
No update yet.. it’s kind of frustrating… 🙁
same here.. 🙁 wishing u good luck
Vikram any update on ur case?
Congrats Rbkk !!
I have not received any update yet, Will let you know once I receive any..
Vikram
Thanks Vikram! I hope you receive it soon.. Good luck 🙂
Sure, it’s kind of frustrating… let’s keep each other updated.
FINALLY GOT MY CASE APPROVED THIS MORNING!
Congrats…Is it updated on site or did employer come to know?
I got a text msg about updated status from USCIS website,will contact my employer later.
Congrats AW!! 🙂
Thanks, rbkk. I hope you can get good news tomorrow.
Hi rbkk,
Any updates on case??? Mine responded Apr 5th..still waiting 🙁
AB,
not yet 🙁
Hi,
did any one get update with RFE? Mine Apr 5th response..still waiting 🙁 🙁
not yet 🙁
did any one get any update?
Vikram? AB?
No..Me still waiting 🙁 🙁
No.. not yet 🙁
Finally my petition was approved on 15th May…
congrats Rbkk!!!
When did it get updated on the site?? or will attorney get any fax about the approval?
AB,
My company’s visa processing team called me up and told me that my petition has been approved on 15th of may 2012(As updated in USCIS website)
My company is yet to receive the hard copy documents.
Will let you know once I receive it..
My RFE was submitted on April 13th 2012, 0n April 16th the status changed RFE response review & it was approved on 15th May 2012.(normal processing). It took me exactly a month 🙂
Hi AB,
Please let me know, if you get any update on ur case.
Vikram
Vikram,
i am still waiting..its almost 45 days finished in RFE response review 🙁
Sure will let u know.
Hi Vikram,
Any update for you? I am still waiting 🙁 Any one on the same boat?
Hi Saurabh,
I got a full time offer with an US based retail company.
In offer letter they mentioned that they are going to support my green card processing as well.
Though they are going to file H1B through their attorney, they are coordinating with me.
As H1B is non-immigrant visa, USCIS might identify the dual intention(Enter on H1B and then process green card for immigration) and reject my petition.
What is the success rate of my visa getting approved as the employer is an US based company?
What precautions are needed before requesting for approval?
If we change the offer letter to remove the Green card related information will that help?
We are going to start the process this week through PP.
I got H1B last year through another company and it got expired. I didn’t travel atleast once on H1B.
So i am eligible for CAP exempt right? I think i dont need to wait till Oct 2012 to start work. Right?
Thanks in advance.
Satish
Satish,
Actually H-1 is a dual intent visa, which allows one to become permanent resident by having their GC application filed. So it may be ok to have that text in the offer letter. However, if it gives you more peace of mind, then you can ask the employer to issue another letter w/o that text. You can discuss this w/ your attorney as well.
Yes, you are eligible for cap-exempt petition based on your previous approval, and can start working on H-1 prior to Oct 1 as well.
My H1B petition was approved for one client and now I will be working for a different client. But I am going to attend PA interview next week and tell them that I will be working for the old client. After my stamping, I will apply for LCA (for new client and location). Will there be any problem?
Srikanth,
This may work except in the scenario consulate officer asks for more documents from the client, or contacts them for verification.
A doubt regarding the approved H1b notice hard copy.
Is there a difference in mailing procedure by which a approved hard copy is sent for a premium case and a normal case?or both takes the same time(2-3 weeks???) in general to reach the petitioner?
Was curious to know whether the normal processing takes any other circuitous route (going to NVC or so ) before reaching the petitioner.
Thanks
MV,
I don’t think so. The send a copy over email soon after the approval (in case of PP), but the time taken to receive the hard-copy is still the same.
Hi Saurabh,
How’s it going? I have a question about the receipt. My employer’s lawyer filed the h1-b petition for me on March 30th but we still haven’t got the receipt yet (it’s already Apr 23rd). Is it normal? I’m really worried at this moment.
Nicole
Nicole,
H-1 filings commenced from April 1. Do you mean your petition was received by USCIS on Mar 30th even before the quota opened? If filed correctly, employer/attorney should receive the petition number within 30 days. Did you check w/ them?. If not, they can call USCIS and follow-up.
Just received, thanks a lot!
Hello Sir,
I am applying for H1b this year ( Apr 2012) and if I make this a premium processing , will I be getting the approval/RFE/Denial withing 15 days? or is this applicable only after October when the cap is reached? Also if I getting the approval within 15 days from now, will I be able to work in US immediately or will I have to wait till Oct 2012. Thanks in advance
LG,
USCIS will issue approval/RFE within 15 calendar days of receiving and entering the petition information. However, even if it approved now, it’s start date will be marked as Oct 1 and not earlier.
Hi Saurabh,
First of all, many thanks to you for your excellent advice consistently being dished out to all us folks.
My situation is : I have been working on H1B for more than 3 years here. My sister is a US citizen – will it adversely affect my current as well as future prospects here if she applies for my GC now or should we wait for my H1 to lapse since its a non-immigrant visa?
Thanks,
Ram
Hi Saurabh,
i want to visit on B1/B2 and change the status to H1B as the consultant is ready to apply only if i am present in US. Will it work out and Legal. what are the chances of approval?
Sree,
USCIS takes a pretty strong look at people who enter on B-1/2 and then move to H-1. Chances of denial are high when the petition is filed within 30-60 days of entering US on B-1/2. In addition, H-1 will not commence prior to Oct 1, and so this may not work out if B-1 I-94 is expiring prior to Oct 1. So be careful when going this route, as basically what your employer is saying is that you should misuse B-1/2 visa.
I have a H1B petition which got approved on 24th dec 2012. Had filed the petition on behalf of a software farm of India. But i have not stamped it yet. Will that petition hold good if i join any other software farm in india ?
Abhijit,
The new employer will have to file a new cap-exempt petition for you (aka H-1 transfer). The old petition is attached to the employer and once you leave them, you cannot make use of it to travel to US. Once the new employer gets their petition approved, you can travel using that petition to work for that employer.
Just to clarify “Had filed the petition on behalf of a software farm of India.” is incorrect. The s/w firm has filed the petition taking you as beneficiary. In other words, you don’t file the petition, but the employer does.
I filed for MTR for my H1b by the 2nd week of March before the deadline. Online status still says “Decision Denial notice sent” how long does it take for the status to be changed to receive MTR? or it doesnt get changed until decision for MTR is finished? Should I worry since it’s been over a month since I applied for MTR?
Hi Saurabh,
Has the USCIS finished processing the 2012 petitions ?
Divya,
I saw an approval post today for a petition filed in Nov 2011. So they are still trickling down.
Hi All,
I just got my approval today
my case was filed at CSC dated 18 nov 2011
it went directly to post decision activity
i request you all to wait since i have been waiting for almost 5 months…
i knw it is difficult but not impossible…
if possible request your employer to call lawyer or USCIS(if not then also it has to come within 1month)
Saurabh – you being amazing thanks for your guidance..You are a man of god….
Congrats Abhishek!
Hi Saurabh,
I got an RFE on 15th FEB 2012 asking about end client letter,contract info,SOWs etc.
The same information was submitted to US CIS on 26th MAR 12.
Any idea when i can get it adjudicated.
Mine is normal processing.
Thanks!
AD,
It may take few weeks to several months to process.
Hi,
Yesterday i had a status of Post-Decision Activity, Approved and mailed notice. After one hour i checked again and it has status – decision and approved, emailed notice. What does this mean?? Please explain this as i am bit confused.
Thanks a lot,
VV
VV,
As it was a PP case they will email a copy of the notice first, and then send the hard copy through regular post. Nothing to worry about.
Hi Saurabh,
I have stayed in US (H1b) for 38 months and moved back to India and stayed there for 15 months (holding a valid H1B). Came back to US again on H1B 7 months back and got my extension approved for 3 yrs (From May 2012 – 2015 May). Since H1B can stay for 6 yrs(72 months) , the time (15 months) that I spent out of US will be counted on this 72 months ? If NoT I can stay until 2015 otherwise I have to leave sometime around 2014 I suppose. Please clarify me. so far I have 38+7=45 months of stay in US.
Thanks in advance.
RajeshEDP,
You can stay for 6 years, and it only includes the time spent inside US on H-1. So you can calculate the time already spent in US on H-1, and then know the remaining term. In case H-1 was approved for a longer duration, it’s a clerical error on part of USCIS, and you should not make use of that extra period.
Saurabh,
Thanks !
So the 15 months which I spent outside US wont reset the clock ? if so, Is that due to the same petition that I am using (cap-exempt due to extension) ?
RajeshEDP,
Clock is reset when the following 2 conditions are met:
– person stays outside of US for more than 1 year
– person goes through the cap again
I really appreciate your patience is responding to eveyone. Youre are great!
Is Your first logic applicable to H1B petition that undergone extensions ? The reason is my first H1b was aproved in 2007 and until then its only extensions done 2 times (2009 – 2012 and 2012 – 2015). I came back to US after 1 yr on Nov of 2011 on same petition. So I assume my clock got reset from Nov 2011 and I’m eligible to file one more extension after 2015.
RajeshEDP,
When filing extensions, a person doesn’t go through cap again. So condition #2 is not met, and a person’s clock is not re-set.
Thanks Saurabh…
But my query is that do you think I should go to a different consulate?It will be a pain for me as I belong to Delhi.But I can bear the pain only if it makes sense.Your views?
Bitto,
It doesn’t matter much. I don’t know how people are able to keep track of success rate of individual consulates as not everyone post their experiences online. If it gives you more confidence, then you should go to Chennai.
Hi Saurab,
My wife is in India currently and the H1B petition filed by her employer is moved to RFE status. I’m planning to bring her to US in H4 after resigning her current job in india. Will it create any issues for her H4 processing?
RajeshEDP,
No, it won’t create any issues. There are several folks who have gone for H-4 visa stamping w/ pending H-1 petition.
Hi Saurabh,
I was working in A company when I got the offer from B company which is in US and have filed H1B for me on 18th Nov 2011. I am still awaiting approval as its still in Initial Review. Currently I have resigned from A company, will it have any impact on the VISA stamping when the H1B gets approved?
SL,
You mean B filed H-1 petition for you and you resigned from A, right? It will not impact your petition processing.
Hi Saurabh,
My employer had filed my H1B visa petition on 18th Nov 2011 at VSC and when I checked the USCIS site for the processing dates for VSC it says that last approved visa filing date as 20th Nov 2011. But my case status still show Initial Review. Is there anything which I can do?
SL,
You should check w/ employer and ask them to follow-up w/ USCIS.
Hi Saurabh,
The status for my H1 petition on USCIS website says that “I129 petition for Non Immigrant worker was approved”
Does that mean I have got my H1 petition for 2013 approved ?
Or is there anything else that I need to do before I go for stamping?
there is still a post decision state which is to happen? What normally happens in that?
2) My second question is that how does it works for dependents now? My wife has not got any application or petition number. Would she also need another application no. or would my number suffice? Also what documents should she carry with me when we go for Visa stamping?
3) When is the earliest that we can go for stamping for a start date on Oct 1, 2012?
Thanks a lot for your response and help.
H1toUS,
1. Yes, it means approved. USCIS will not send the approval notice to your employer/attorney and they should receive it within 1-2 weeks. Was your petition filed w/ PP? It would be surprising if they approved non-PP FY-13 petition so early.
2. I assume you all are outside of US at the moment. If yes, then she doesn’t get any receipt number. She can directly go for H-4 visa stamping along w/ you (or separately) by carrying the approved 797.
3. As the start date is Oct 1, you can go at most 3 months prior to the start date. So it means or after July 1.
Hello Saurabh,
Thanks a lot for your response and advice.
1) Yes it was filed with PP.
BTW, I guess you meant “USCIS will send the approval notice to your employer/attorney” and not “USCIS will not send the approval notice to your employer/attorney “.
2)Yes we all are outside US currently.
3) My attorney says that I can apply at most 20 days in advance of Oct 1 start date. Reason given is a bit weird that since mine is a loose petition, thats why.
I dont understand what that means. May be if you have heard abt it, you could throw some light on it ???
thanks.
H1toUS,
1. Yes, that is what I meant.
3. I don’t know what he means by that. If you go to VFS site, they mention that one can go for visa stamping as early as 90 days prior to the start date. However, you should go for stamping after discussing w/ your attorney as they may have to provide additional documents in case your stamping runs into issues.
Thanks Saurabh.
I will clarify this with my attorney then.
Cheers.
Hi Saurabh,
Recieved the following RFE :
We have received a Request for Evidence for XXXXXXXXXXX. The response is due at USCIS on or before XXXXXXXX. Please provide these documents as soon as possible.
(1) USCIS is requesting additional evidence:
An ORIGINAL of the university transcripts from XXXXXXXXXXXX. The transcripts must be signed and dated by the person in charge of records. Both sides of the sealed flap on the outside of the university envelope must be signed and dated by the person in charge of records. Include the phone number and address for the office of the person in charge of records.
***USCIS is specifically asking for this information. Please provide us with the original DEGREE AND TRANSCRIPTS from the university listed above by XXXXXXX.***
Should I submit the original degree certificate? Or will the submission of marklists do ?
Original certificate is an important document. Should I include that also?? We won’t get duplicate of original degree certificate. We will get original duplicates of mark lists only. PLEASE ADVISE URGENTLY.
USCIS never asks for original documents. Send them copies.
Sreejith,
I agree w/ Raghav. USCIS usually works on the copies and doesn’t ask for original copies. You can check w/ your attorney if you really need to submit the original, and in case you have to submit the original, then how you can make sure it’s not lost/misplaced.
Thanks Kumar,Saurabh,Raghav for your replies.
I sent the original transcript + attested copy of degree certificate by the university registar in a sealed envelope by the university.
One more doubt : How to know whether it is in premium mode? Will I get mail or something?
Sreejith,
You can get this information from your employer/attorney. Also, what was the status message when the petition was in Acceptance/InitialReview status? If it used words like “email” vs “mail”, then it has been filed w/ PP.
It is being upgraded to premium now only when submitting the RFE response. I have registered for case updates. Can I expect any mail if it becomes Premium ?
Sreejith,
Once the response is received, the status will change to something like “… we will complete processing in 60 days …”. This is a standard message for both regular and premium petitions, and one cannot differentiate b/w the petitions based on above status message.
Wait to see if it gets processed in 15 calendar days. In yes, then probably it was processed under PP.
So there is no way of knowing whether it is in premium apart from judging by processing time.
Actually my employer told me they have upgraded my case to premium processing. But I wanted to check it. Thats why??Anyway thanks Saurabh for your reply.
Sreejith,
Yes, processing time is the best way to determine, unless they change the status back to Acceptance once RFE response is submitted (this can happen when petition moves from one officer to another as it has now been upgraded to PP).
Hi Saurabh,
I didn’t get you. Are there chances that it will move two steps back if it is upgraded to premium processing?
Sreejith,
Whether it is Acceptance or RFE response review doesn’t matter (in terms of processing time). USCIS will adjudicate it within 15 calendar days once it has been approved to PP.
Hi Saurabh,
Will it stay in RFE status even if they received the response. It’s in PP mode. I gave my employer the RFE docs, but I am not sure whether they submitted it.
Is it necessary that it has to go through the response phase on USCIS website.
Sreejith,
The online status is not always reliable, but generally it is. You can check w/ employer if they have submitted the response and that should give you a rough idea on when the status should/would flip on the site.
Sreejith,
You should never submit your original degree. I believe they are asking for transcript from your school. Typically, US schools, including Indian colleges, give you a transcript indicating that you studied in that school and you completed your degree, including all your grades in it. It is nothing but a document validating your education and degree. It will be given by the University registrar and will be in sealed envelope. If it is a US school, it should be very easy to get it, all you need to do is talk to the registrar office.
Guys – 25-APR-2012 , Delhi consulate
They are rescheduling the interviews.
Check your mails immediately.
Hi Saurabh,
My employer has applied for my H1-B visa on April 2nd 2012 under Premium processsing. My company’s headquarters are in Massachusetts and I work at their branch in Tennessee. The law firm which my company is using for my H1B is also based out of Massachusetts.My H1-B petition has been filed with Vermont Service center.
Should my petition have been filed with Texas service center instead of Vermont, because I work in Tennessee which comes under Texas service center’s jurisdiction OR is it okay that it has been filed with Vermont Service center considering that my company’s HQ in Massachusetts comes under the Vermont service center?
Thank you very much in advance
Nithya,
For H-1 petitions it’s just Vermont and California. So they have filed it at the right location.
Hi Saurabh ,
I need the following information regarding the H1B Visa :
1. How long will it take for getting the H1B Visa stamping .Is there any specific time by which one can get to know whether H1B Visa is going to be approved in next couple of months or not .
2. What is the probability of getting the same done (success rate )
3. Is it Company Specific ? If the Company A has applied the H1b Visa and later i joined Company A so would the remaining Visa Stamping process can be carried out by the Company B .
4. Any specific link where one can check the status of the H1b VISA .
Thanks
Kamal Mehta
KM,
1. Visa stamping can happen within a week or can take several months to process.
2. Varies from case to case
3. Visa stamp is not specific to the employer and you can use A’s visa stamp after you have moved to B
4. You can check the status on the specific consulate website or on VFS site.
Saurabh
My H1B petition was filed with USCIS California (WAC) on Nov 21 2011. Till now my status in uscis website is initial review.
Is it possible for my employer to change the petition to premium mode now? Or is it possible for the attorney to enquire USCIS regarding the status as i am having urgent project requirement now.
Still initial review for the H1 filed on NoV 21 2011 ?? something wrong .. YOur employer should be able to talk to them about the status .
Yes .Its possible he can change that to Premium now …
Saurabh/Kumar
Will something be wrong in my case. could you please tell me whether uscis completed processing all petitions filed on november; is it only mine in initial review. Please let me know this because if that is the case how can my employer approach uscis??
Ram,
It is better to ask employer to call USCIS and follow-up. If the requirement is urgent, then you can upgrade it to PP.
thanks Saurabh
Do you know how much h1b new petitions(normal) filed in nov 2011 is still in initial review at CSC?
Ram,
I don’t know the count, but most of them should have been processed by now.
Hi
I have an approved h1 petition.just want to know that incase i plan to change my company,is it possible to get the petition transferred too now before stamping
Sonalee,
Ye, it can be transferred even before the stamping is done.
Hi,
How much time before should LCA be filed and approved.?
My employer filed LCA is November but could not file petition due to H1B CAP Quota.
Can the same LCA be used for filing H1B petetion this year as well.?
Thanks,
Cesc,
I read an attorney’s comment on this stating that LCA cannot be more than 6 months old. So it’s better to get a new LCA certified.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Hi,
My employer has filled my H1-b on 04/02/2012. At present, I am attending a university and working under CPT. Do you think I can quit my university once my H1-b is approved or I have to be in University till 10/01/2012. I know that I cannot work till 10/01/2012 even my H1-b approves, but I am ready to take a break from work once my CPT is expired till 10/01/2012. My main concern is that I do not want to continue my university after H1-b is approved.
Thanks
Raghav,
Until Oct 1, your status would be F-1 and you need to maintain that. So you will have to stay enrolled as a student. If your school allows you to take a quarter/semester break, then you can take that break and leave school when Oct 1 arrives and your status changes to H-1.
hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your reply,
I understand what you are saying is right. But my attorney is saying that I do not have to continue school once we receive WAC number from immigration. She said I cannot work until oct 1 but I can leave school. I am very confused because of her this statement. I personally know her she will never give any wrong advise. I think I will follow your advise because this makes more sense.
For summer semester, do I have to apply for CPT and work as I am doing right now or just get admission without CPT and no work? Please advise
Raghav,
If you want to work, you can check w/ DSO and get the CPT. If that is not available, then you can just enroll in the school and not work on CPT.
Hi Saurabh,
I have submitted my LCA initiation request 2 weeks before to the attorney . Could you please advise how much time it will take . Thanks
Jaison,
When the attorney submits the LCA to DOL, the latter will take around 10-14 days to certify it.
Hi Saurabh,
How long will it take for the employer to receive the hard copy of the approved petition from the date showing in website
Sandhya,
Usually 1-2 weeks but at times it can take longer. It it goes more than 30 days, then your employer should call USCIS and follow-up.
Hi Saurabh,
My H1B Extension(Regular) was submitted on Feb-9 @ CSC. Could you please tell me which month’s they are processing currently and how long it will take for Feb ones? Thanks!
RajeshEDP,
I am not keeping tracking of extension petitions, but in general it can take 2-6 months.
Hi Saurabh,
Annual salary vary in offer letter and LCA. At the time of filling DS-160 which one do we need to mention.
Thanks in advance.
Kumar,
Mention the one in offer letter. Make sure that the offer letter salary >= LCA salary.
Hi,
My case is new H1 under premium and it got approved last week after getting RFE in march.
my doubt : the approval is seen under post decision activity and hence the approval will be mailed and not emailed .will this cause any extra delay as mine is a premium case. shld we request for a email notice as well or leave it ? and how long will it take for me to get the mailed notice on the approval?
MV,
The physical approval notice (i.e. 797) is always mailed even in case of premium processing cases. USCIS sends out the document within few days and employer should receive it within 1-2 weeks. They can then forward the notice to you.
Dear Saurabh,
RFE was raised for USCIS approval and i have submitted my PCC (police Clearance Certificate) to attorney 1 week ago and when i can expect the USCIS approval.
Kiran Kumar,
If I remember correctly, it was filed w/o PP. In that case, RFE response will be adjudicated within few weeks to several months. In other words, there is no set processing time.
Hi Saurabh,
i found a consultancy,who is willing to process H1B for me.. Is it very difficult to get approval by this way.. Please let me know what is the perfect way to get approval..
Thanks ..
Prithivi,
File it through a reputable company that has a client/project ready for you. And stay away from EVC model as much as possible. There is no perfect way, but just better ways.
Dear Saurabh,
Thanks for your response..,
What is the exact fee for the H1B filling.. Because some one said it is increasing for this year..
Next what is ratio of rejection every year ..
Thanks again…
Prithivi,
H-1 filing fees is not increasing and it’s around 2k-4k depending upon employer size and number of employees on H-1 and L-1. This doesn’t include attorney fees or premium processing fees ($1225.00). However, these fees need to be paid by the employer and not employee.
The visa fees (one needs to pay when appearing for visa interview) did increase by around $40.00.
Hi Saurabh,
h1bvisa101.com/h1b-visa-2013-cap-count-update-april-4-2012/
The above site says the following :
Latest and first H1B Visa 2013 Cap Count Update from USCIS as of April 4, 2012
•Total Number – 22,323 ( H1B Visa 2013 applications Received )
•Masters Degree H1B Cap – About 25% of 22,323 (5,580)
•H1B General Cap – 16,742 (about)
But on USCIS website there is no such update..
If at all the quota gets filled with such rate,I won’t be able to file H1B Visa..Can this source be trusted ???
Thanks and Regards,
Cesc
Cesc,
There is no official update from USCIS yet. It was released as an unofficial update by AILA. Check out the update I just posted H1B 2013 cap count update April 4
Hi Cesc :
Could you please let me know where exactly did you get the latest update on H1B Cap as you said it’s not posted on USCIS Website.
Can I call them up and find out what is the update?
Please let me know
Thank you
Mohan
Mohan,
They posted the first official update on 9th April. General quota is around 17k.
Hi Saurabh,
In a university setting-who actually pays for the premium processing? Or rather who is responsible for paying the premium process? Is it the school or the actual H1b Applicant?
Thank you in advance!
Mal,
Either of the two can pay.
Hi Saurabh,
I have small query on H4, My wife, daugter has B2 Visa. If i get stamped H1… can they travel on B2 to US and apply for H4 in US.
Thanks
Suresh
PVS,
I would suggest against it. They can accompany you when you go for H-1 stamping and then travel w/ you on H-4. Entering US on B-2 and then filing to H-4 is more troublesome and prone to questioning/issues.
Hi Saurabh,
While in india, my employer filed for my H1B and I am in silicon Valley, CA.
But in india I signed a letter stating that if I get my H1B transfer while in US, I need to pay them the liquidated damages.
I have 2 doubts regarding this stated below.
1.) Is any such bond valid in USA?
Do I need to pay them the damages, in case I go for transfer of H1B.
2.) I assume that without paying them damages, I would not be getting relieving letter from my employer.
I believe currently there will not be any problem as salary slips and letter from a colleague will do, but not having reliving letter will impact in getting H1B again sometime down the line in future?
Please guide.
Saurabh Goyal,
1. A company can ask for “reasonable” liquidated damages. They will have to show those losses in order to get them from you. Bonded labor is not allowed. You can review the document w/ a labor attorney to know what kind of damages they can ask. Also, if they are asking for some X amount of dollars, doesn’t mean you are required to pay X amount.
2. Not having relieving letter from employer will not cause issue down the line. Make sure you have all the payslips and a letter from colleague (not required now but may be in future especially when it comes to GC filing).
Hi,
My H1B was filed with uscis (normal) on NOV 14 2011 at EAC. Still the status in uscis is initial review. I do not have any clue why it is taking so much of time.
I want to know that how we can contact any authorized person to know the actual status and time to process it and why it is in Initial review for long time?
Please guide me!!!
Thanks
Jyoti,
You can ask employer to follow-up w/ USCIS, but you will get the same response as there is on the site. The other thing you can do is upgrade to premium processing in which USCIS will adjudicate the petition within 15 calendar days.
Hello,
I am curtrently on H4 and have applied for change of status to F1 recenlty. I have no update from USCIS yet, in this regard. Meanwhile an employer is ready to apply for my H1-B in the current 2013 quota . I want to start the H-1 B process asap. Is this possible? Can the employer start the H1 process while my F1 COS is still under processing? Or should I wait until my F1 COS gets approved and then start H-1B process? However, even if h1 gets approved now, it doesn’t start until October 2012, so I will be on F1 until oct 2012. I am hoping these two are mutually exclusive.
Please advice me in this regard.
Thanks
Shruthi,
They both can happen in parallel. When you have two petitions filed in parallel, the last petition approved wins. So if F-1 gets approved followed by H-1, then your eventual status from Oct 1 will be H-1. It will be F-1 b/w F-1 approval date and Oct 1 in this case.
HI Saurabh,
I have applied for H1b yesturday ( 4th april) . What is the process from initiating to stamping and how long would it take for the complete process from initiating to stamping?
Bhanu,
Once the petition gets approved, you will have to schedule visa interview date and then appear for stamping. The petition process can take 2-6 months, while stamping can happen b/w 1 week to several months.
Hi Saurab,
Will the petiton process starts as soon as the receive the request or they will only start processing after oct 1 2012? and if applying now in April when can we expect petiton process to be complete?
Bhanu,
They have already started the processing from April 9th. They will first go through premium processing cases and then regular ones. It will be processed more or less in the order it is received.
Hi,
Currently I am working with A, got an offer from company B. B has initiated my H1B trasfer in Premium process and received receipt #, I have not yet submitted my resignation with A , Should i need to wait untill get the H1B approval confirmation? or can i go ahead and submit the resignation? is there any possibilities to get rejection while the process. Both are wll established MNC organizations. Please advice. TIA.
Kanth,
Yes, transfer can be denied. If you want to play really safe, then you should resign once you have received the approval for B.
Hi Saurabh,
My petition got approved:).. VSC
Filed on Nov 19th 2011
RFE: March 5, 2012
Response submitted: March 29
Approved today(April 04).. really very fast
Thanks Saurabh for your info and guidence…
-Suresh
Ongrats PVS!
Hi, PVS,
In your case, did the online case status change after they got the RFE documents from you or you only got to wait for the final approval notice?
Thanks.
Is it premium or normal
Hi PVS, was it filed under PP?
Aw,
No. it is regular processing and the status changed directly to Post decesion activity after RFE response .
Sorry for late reply
Thanks
Hi,
Whatz the exact difference between Decision and Post decision activity?My friends petition got approved last week (from RFE Response) and its still seen under Decision.Another one’s got approved ysday and its seen directly under Post Decision status from RFE response.Is it a normal procedure for a status to move from Response review to Post decision status ?
Hi Saurabh,
I had received my LCA & client letter from Client A, basis which my petition was applied & approved. I’m yet to go for VISA stamping.
Now my manager wants me to go onsite for another client (say Client B) & has insisted on getting the LCA from client B.
Does my work petition which was approved for Client A stands invalid & my work petition needs to be applied again? Or can I proceed with my existing approved work petition?
Regards
Chandra
Chandra,
If you will be working for B, then the employer needs to get new LCA and H-1 amendment for B.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for the info.
But does that mean that the work petition which has been approved lately will now stand invalidated & a fresh petition needs to be approved? Does the new amendment which will now be attached also needs to be approved?
Or it is that the new amendment just needs to be attached while going for VISA stamping.
Regards
Chandrachur
Chandra,
Your current petition needs to be amended. The petition number will remain the same, but they will change the underlying LCA from old to new. They would also update the work location and client to B.
When going for stamping, you will have to carry client information. If you carry B’s information and officer sees that petition was approved for A, then they can issue 221g. That is why it is important to get it amended prior to stamping.
Hi Saurabh
My H1B was filed with uscis (normal) on nov 21 2011 at WAC. Still the status in uscis is initial review. Can you please let me know whether California Service center is processing remaining petitions now or they started with new ones. I am really confused what to do and moreover my company is not ready for changing to premium mode!!!
Ram,
They are processing Nov petitions. You should hear something in next few weeks.
Hi Saurabh,
My company filed L1 to H1 COS. The RFE Response was filed in premium on March 19. Today is the end of the 15 calendar days (April 3). I still don’t have a status of my visa. Could you please advice on how I should proceed.
My L1 visa expires on April 19. In case my H1 is denied, and if I file L1 to H4 COS before my L1 expires, can I stay in US even if I don’t have a status of L1 to H4 COS.
Thank you in advance.
anonymous,
What is the current status online? Do you know when the RFE response was reviewed and processed by USCIS? Even though it was filed on Mar 19th, it may not have been processed by USCIS for another few days.
Yes, once L-1 to H-4 COS is filed, you can continue to stay even after I-94 expires. You can do this for up to 240 days beyond I-94 expiration date or COS denial date (whichever is earlier).
Thanks for response Saurabh.
The current status is RFE Response Review . This is the status since March 19. The RFE response was filed as premium by my employer.
Anonymous,
If it doesn’t processed within 15 calendar days of that date, you should ask your employer to follow-up w/ USCIS.
Hi Saurabh,
My company earlier applied for regular process (mine is exempt case) on 7th March and I received receipt.When I checked the status in USCIS I found it is in “Initial Review”. But later when my manager asked them to do the Premium Process they said now they have changed from Regular to PP.
I again checked the status on 29 March I found the status of my case in “Acceptance”. I contact my company’s visa team they said they have changed from regular to PP and I will get confirmation within 2-3 weeks starting from 28th March.
My doubt is how come status changed from “Initial Review” to “Acceptance”. Does it normally happens when you go for Premium Process from Regular Process ? Now how much time it should take ? I have already lost lot of time..
Thank you.
APVisa,
Yes, this often happens for cases that are upgraded to PP. You should get the adjudication within 15 calendar days.
Hi APVisa,
My case is exactly same as your case.Even the dates.My company TCS filed a cap exempt visa for me (using my previuos I797 which was denied under 221g) on March 8.Later on 28th April they upgraded it to PP.Now the status is “acceptance” since then with USCIS message “on 28th March we received this I129 etc etc….
Whats your status now?Did you get approval.
I know that my previous denied H1B will not have any impact on my current one.Still I cannot stop myself being worried.
Saurabh – Any comments?
Now my status changed from Acceptance to RFE. They asked for some documents and my company is submitting the same. Once this is done I think I should get it .
Bitto,
Like w/ APVisa’s case, your case should also show some movement within 15 calendar days either to approved or RFE.
Thanks Saurabh !!
And yes you were correct.My H1B got Approved before 4 days.
Now since my last H1B filed through a small US consulting company was refused under 221g , do you think it can create problems for me this time.This time my employer is TCS. Please let me know..
Arnab
Bitto,
I don’t think previous petition will cause an issue. They may ask about it, but you should remain truthful (and optimistic).
Thanks a lot Saurabh..
My last query ; Should I go to the same consulate(New Delhi) for stamping.Or will you recommend to go to a different consulate.Does it make any difference?Someone recommended me to go Chennai as they are approving more..Please suggest.
Bitoo,
I think you can go to any consulate. I remember a notice from VFS sometime ago allowing people to go to any consulate of choice. You can check w/ VFS if the same is still true and then decide to go to Chennai.