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USCIS H1B Visa 2014 Regular Processing Time? Premium Processing ? FAQs ?

Many of you who have applied for H1B Visa for fiscal year 2014 might be wondering regarding the H1B Visa processing times. Some common questions are like below:

  • What is USCIS Regular Processing time for H1B Visa 2014 petitions ?
  • Is there any SLA for USCIS to process the H1B Visa 2014 petitions ?
  • What is the processing time for H1B petitions filed under  Premium processing ?
  • How has USCIS done historically with H1B Processing Times ?
  • Where and How can I look at the average processing times for H1B petitions ?

 

Let me take some time to address some of the above most commonly asked questions around H1B Visa petitions processing times and how USCIS has done in the past. If you have already received a case number for your H1B petition, you can read this article: Understanding H1B Visa Case Number, Track Status

What is USCIS Processing time for H1B 2014 petitions filed under Regular Processing ?

Well, the typical adjudication (decision making) time for H1B visa petitions filed under regular processing by USCIS can range anywhere from 2 months to 6 months. There are cases where the decision was mailed by USCIS in less than 2 months and there are cases where USCIS took much longer than 6 months too.  Every H1B case is different and the time taken depends on various facts and factors tied with a petition…

Is there any set SLA for USCIS to process petitions filed under H1B 2014 Regular processing ?

There is NO set SLA for USCIS that stipulates them to adjudicate a H1B petitions filed under regular processing within certain amount of time.  So, you would just have to wait for USCIS, there is nothing you can do. Unlike,  USCIS has SLA for premium processing H1B petitions, but it comes with a cost.

How long will  USCIS take for H1B Visa 2014 Premium Processing petitions ?

USCIS has a standard 15 calendar days SLA for premium processing petitions.   Typically, it starts from the day USCIS receives the petition and they issue a case number.  But for FY 2014, due to expected high volumes they have pushed the premium processing clock  for H1B petitions to start from April 15th. So, you can expect a response from USCIS on your case by April 30th.  It can be a decision or an RFE, if something was missing.  Read article: H1B Visa Statuses – Approval, RFE, Denial

How has USCIS done historically with H1B petitions processing times ?

Again, as mentioned above, it has varied from 2 to 6 months. The current national average for processing times that USCIS publishes on their website is about 2 months and it seems to be varying depending on how busy USCIS gets with processing at a particular time.  You have to remember that the reason processing times can vary a lot is because USCIS constantly receives other H1B petitions that are not part of FY 2014 quota, which are extensions and change of employers, cap-exempt petitions, etc. that they would have to process as well. If  some of these mentioned are filed under premium processing, the priority changes from USCIS perspective.

Where can I look at USCIS processing times for H1B petitions ?

USCIS publishes the processing times on their website. The only trick is that that, you have to watch for date that processing times correspond to…All you need to do is select the processing center and it will show the approximate processing times. You can check at here at USCIS website

You can check out some of the processing times at our  H1B Visa Tracker.   Don’t forget to add your case.

What has been your experience with USCIS processing times ?  How long did it take ?

Photo of author
Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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8,159 Comments

  1. Hi,

    My status says :
    On August 16, 2013, your address was changed relating to the I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER that you filed. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance.

    Did any of you guys get the same status? what does this actually mean?

    Mine is PP and RFE answered on Aug 14. Clock re-started on Aug 15 and got this on Aug 16. Heard nothing from attorney or employer! Please help me out!

    Thanks

    Reply
  2. Does anyone have any updates on series EAC131485****.did anyone in this series got any status change…my case is still in IR from 8th April.i applied for l1 to h1 in consular processing ….

    Reply
    • Hi, One of my friend (EAC131485**** – H1B New) got his petition approved on Aug-1st. Mine is H1B Extension and I have been waiting from Apr-11.

      Reply
  3. Dear member…my application just got approved ie, EAC13146505XX.
    I have been waiting since 8-Apr’13 with normal process category. On 16-Aug’13 it was upgraded to premium processing and got approval on 19-Aug’13…
    All the very best for whoever still waiting for confirmation…This website is much more useful for many…really thanks a lot.

    Reply
  4. Dear Team,

    My application got approved just today ie, 19-Aug’13.
    Rec No: EAC13146505XX.
    My employed moved my application to Premium processing on 16-Aug’13, and got approval on 19-Aug’13, as I have been waiting in normal processing since 8-Apr’13.
    For sure this website is much more useful…and all the very best whoever waiting still for approvals.

    Reply
  5. Its been 43 days im waiting for the result after my rfe response …donno when they are gonna process it.. 🙁
    eac1313852***

    Reply
    • Same here, IR since Apr 8th. WAC1314250***.
      Not sure, about the progress, as I have noticed most in my series are either PDA or RFE status. Only a few are in IR 🙁 and I am one of them. Feeling a bit tensed and disappointed, but patience is the jargon now. Good Luck to all who are waiting and congrats to those who have proceeded ahead.

      Q- Does size of the company has something to do with this case. Mine is a consultancy and they are small, as their hire a specific IT skill only. Any comments?

      Reply
  6. Just to let everybody know, last week on Aug 13 I got direct approval!!, Finally!!!….
    Thanks for all!!… EAC1313950*** IT RQ/RP

    Reply
  7. Hi Saurabh,

    How they calculate 6 years of H1B? From October 1 or from the day when the guy physically enters into USA.

    H1B approved in 2008 and valid from 2008 October. Extended once.
    I have travelled after 6 months (1st Quarter of 2008)
    3 years extended later
    Now question is – Will USCIS is count the 6 years period from 2008 october or will they count the days when the persion physically enters into US.
    Please advise..

    Reply
    • 6 years is the period of work in USA. any breaks or late entry in USA will not count in the 6 year period. You can even claim any vacation days when you were outside USA.

      Reply
  8. Hi All,

    i have applied for H1b this year from some company. i have got my H1b approved but yet not given the VISA interview. now i have a problem. about a few weeks ago i was just surfing about my company reviews and found of the blogs that this company has many issue and most of the employees are highly unsatisfied. Now what i have to do? I want to work in US but want to avoid this company. what is the best way to this..

    Reply
  9. Hi Saurabh,

    How they calculate 6 years of H1B? From October 1 or from the day when the guy physically enters into USA.

    H1B approved in 2007 and valid from 2008 October. Extended once.
    I have travelled after 6 months (1st Quarter of 2008)
    3 years extended later
    Now question is – Will USCIS is count the 6 years period from 2007 october or will they count the days when the persion physically enters into US.
    Please advise..

    Reply
    • H1B – 6 Year Complete,
      Only the time spent inside US is counted towards the 6 year clock. So if you left in b/w for vacation etc, then that’s not counted.

      Reply
  10. I am waiting on RFE for a month.
    Is there any trend for RFE to decision, my lawyer says it is generally 1 month
    The speed at which uscis is processing cases, will it be able to complete all before oct 1 ?

    Reply
  11. Hi,
    Is anybody from smartplay still in IR in WAC1313850*** series? I see a few I129′s under IR approved. Mine is still in IR from April 8, 2013 onward.
    Regards,
    xyz

    Reply
    • Mine Same EAC1313853*** IR 🙂 I have made study on my series DECISION 13
      IR 42
      PDA 36
      RFE 6
      RFE RESPONSE 1
      Result OUT OF 98……
      So still we have to wait …..

      Reply
    • WAC13138500** still in IR 🙁 … I am seeing people getting PP on their cases and getting approved. May be we have to do the same.

      Reply
  12. Hi can any one please advice, how many days uscis takes to send the approval notice i797 for premium processing..

    Please!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  13. RS,

    Hi Saurabh,

    I am EAC 1313951***..I am a regular reader of this forum..I am wondering EAC 139 cases are moving very slowly..Hardly 6-7 cases got approved only..One thing I need to clarify :-

    Whether USCIS has to clear all the H1B filing of April 2013 by September 30th ?
    I came to know and thus want to verify with you.

    One more thing, In the red2bus site there is written that some cases gets approved in less than 2 months and some more than 6 months too. Thus if it is so then if I applied in April 2013 then it might get approved after September also ?

    Can you throw some light into this ?

    Waiting for your earliest response..

    Thanks..:)

    Reply
  14. Gabbar:Kitne visa they??
    Kalia: Sarkar ek he visa tha h1 b vermont center pe.
    Gabbar : Received date kya thi kalia..
    Kalia: 8 April maai baap
    Gabbar: Tabse intitial review mein hai?
    Kaalia:Aur nahi to kya sarkar,pehle he thakur tunda tha ab
    intezar karte karte langda bhi ho chala
    Gabbar:Bahut Na insaafi hai yeh..Tunda Thakur Kab tak intezar karega..decision kab hai? , kab ?kab?

    Kaalia..Yehi to nahi maloom sarkar..!!Toing..toing toing

    Arey Samba tension kahe ko leta hai..aaj nahi kal to visa ho he jaayega..All the best..

    Reply
  15. Hi Saurabh,

    We have got our visas stamped (H1 for my husband, and H4 for me). If my current employer is ready to transfer me to the US on L1, should I consider that? If the L1 gets rejected, what will happen to my H4? Will they cancel the H4 only while stamping L1, or is there a chance that I will end up with neither? There is a good chance that I can find an employer to petition for H1B for me next year if I don’t take this L1. Should I take a chance and let this L1 option go? Or is it perfectly safe, and I will definitely have the H4 if the L1 option doesn’t work out.

    This site was of great help to us. We have been going through it on a daily basis from March/April. Good job!

    Reply
    • You should definitely give the L1 option a try. Even if L1 is rejected, you will still have the H4 and can look for H1 sponsors next year. They will NOT cancel your H4 if L1 is rejected.

      ATB.

      Reply
  16. Hi,

    My H1b application has been approved (EAC1314452*) on 9th August.
    This site was really helpful throughout the whole process.
    I thank you all on this form for your support and help and wish you all the best.

    Reply
  17. hi do we need to wait until the status moved to post decision Activity, even after we receieve the documents to attend the visa interview?

    please advice!

    Reply
  18. Hi,
    I have recently responded to RFE and clock started in August 1st week, on 13th morning 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped and it’s been almost 2.5 days i don’t see any updates on it. I have contacted my employer and attorney, neither of them received anything from USCIS. When my employer called USCIS they asked us to wait for the mail. Did any one experience this situation before? my case is under Premium processing and CSC.

    Reply
  19. my petition just got approved. received mail and sms at 6:15 pm EST in this regard. receipt no. is EAC13139506** i would no thave checked my status today as i had left office after checking my status around 5 pm 🙂 all the best to all waiting guys.

    Reply
  20. L-H COS ; I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER has been approved and is showing in decision stage since last 4 weeks. What could be the reason not moving to final stage of PDA (post decision activity) and how much time usually it takes from decision to PDA stage and receiving I797 notice.

    Reply
    • Decision,
      If it has been more than 30 days since that stage and employer/attorney have not received the approval notice, then your employer should follow-up w/ USCIS.

      Reply
  21. Hi Saurabh,

    I got RFE recently, and the deadline to submit is end of Oct. I have a question though, ‘coz I’m on F1 right now, and my I-20 was automatically extended to Sept 30 after being chosen in the lottery. Will my I-20 adjust again to accommodate the waiting for the approval / decision? Or should I enroll again to keep my status if there’s no approval yet by Sept 30? Replies will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone who’s helping out in this forum.

    Reply
    • Yes it will, while you have a case pending with USCIS for change of status you have a legal status, you can’t leave the country tho.

      I am in OPT that expires in September 05, however my I-20 was extended to September 30. If it takes longer than that I am still legally able to work and maintain my F1 status, until i get an answer from USCIS.

      Reply
      • Thanks for the help yy! You gave me so much hope in this dilemma! So the school will be able to provide us with a new i-20 that has a new date? And as you said, can continue working on our OPT?

        Reply
        • yes Andre, I am working in my OPT and I will do so until i get a response from USCIS, and your school should be able to provide you with new I-20, but technically you don’t need it.

          Reply
    • Andre,
      Cap-gap can only be extended till Sep 30th. You don’t get any cap-gap after that date even if your H-1 is pending. Do not work after Sep 30 if your H-1 is still pending.

      Upgrade your petition to PP if you want to ensure decision by Oct 1.

      Reply
      • Hi yy,

        I have a worry though.. in case the result comes out after sept 30 and it’s not a favorable result, can you still enroll after? Or you have to apply again for f1? Thanks!

        Hi saurabh,

        I really appreciate your reply. You are very helpful. My rfe seems complicated thus im worried it might be negative.. that’s why im thinking of backing up my plan by enrolling. Question, if for example the decision comes out let’s say sept 15, and it’s not favorable, can I still enroll in school or have I lost my chance to continue my F1 if H1 decision has been made already? Thank you very much!!

        Reply
      • Hi saurabh,

        School starts sept 30, but I could enroll by next week.. as long as I am already enrolled even if the school hasn’t started yet, I will not be out of status right? I mean, if the h1 decision comes out in the middle while waiting for school to start? (for example decision is not favorable..)

        I appreciate all the help! Thank you!

        Reply
  22. Hey Guys,
    Today I have got an email from USCIS with status updated to (RFE ) ..I am from EAC13146* series… RP/IT ..it means they have started EAC 13146 series as well …..waiting to hear from my employer abt nature of RFE…my question here is that can I directly call to USCIS and ask what they are looking for in my case…..

    Reply
  23. Saurabh /@all

    I had my appointment yesterday and the VO said “Your VISA has been approved” and kept our passports.
    Are there any cases where VISA was rejected/put under admin processing after VO confirmed visa approval?

    Problem is that I have a strict notice period of 2 months and I am in dilemma should I wait to get my passport with VISA stamped or should I resign today?
    If I resign today I might get relieved by 13th Oct, I am not willing to wait for another 5-10 days to get my passport.

    Reply
      • @H1B Aspirant
        Honestly I am not contending what you have said at all, please dont get me wrong. but I remember somebody mentioning in the redbus2us forum itself that they got 221g after VO said its approved.”stuck in admin state”

        @question
        However it is worth the risk, as there are zero chances of reject/denial , in hte worst case they just might be delayed.

        Congrats for your VISA, wish you a good luck for future endeavours!!

        Reply
    • Hi @Question : Can u elaborate the discussion further more as what questions did VO asked you and which location u went for stamping ,kindly post the entire picture bussy thanks

      Reply
  24. Hi Saurabh,
    My case is in Initial Review as usual..

    My company is US based (Inc) and 2 years old and it has IT development and bodyshoping wings.
    Is there any concerns if the company is new firm?
    Any possibilities to get approval?

    Reply
    • Final Destination,
      They may want to ensure that company is financially sound. So they may ask for past tax returns of the company, wage reports, client/project copy etc.

      Reply
  25. Hi Saurabh,

    My H1B VISA is expiring on September 30 2013. So my company has applied for H1B VISA extension on July 8th 2013.

    For my wife, her H4 visa is also expiring on September 30th 2013 and H4 extension is also applied on July 8th 2013.

    My wife’s H1B VISA is in Initial review from April 8th 2013. Heard that If H1B Visa for my visa gets approved first and then she gets H4 later, her H1B VISA will be cancelled. If her H4 VISA is approved first and then she gets H1B Visa then no issues.

    So I’m in a dilemma whether to upgrade my wife’s H1B Visa to premium or not. Normally how many months USCIS will take to process H1B VISA Extension.

    Reply
    • Prakash,
      Nothing is canceled. Search for “Last Action Rule”. The petition that goes into effect later determines the eventual status. It just overrides the previous status (for example from H-1 to H-4), but you can move back to H-1 by filing a separate COS or enter on stamped H-1 visa.

      Reply
    • Hi H1Dreams,
      Congrats. Could you please let me know the first 5 digits of your receipt number ? years of experience and position applied for ?

      Thanks in advance

      Reply
    • hi all can any one tell me
      my h1b visa is approved (extension) the thing is i have over stayed in us for 5 months but less than 180 days so my question is will that be a problem during visa stamping
      any early response will be appreciated

      thanks
      in advance

      Reply
  26. Hi all,

    I got RFE and responded back on June 14th and I know that USCIS takes up to 60 days to review the RFE response but does that include weekends?

    I’m so worried that today is that 59th day already. What should I do?

    Thank you. And good luck to everyone!!

    Reply
    • as per my knowledge they’ll respond within 60 days (calendar days) not the business days.
      as per the reviews here , i noticed that the decision is made within 30-45 days after they get the response. its my 40th day after the response.
      waiting for the result in this next 10 days.
      donno what happens..this wait is pathetic…..anyhow hoping best…
      gud luck…
      post us if u get any result…

      Reply
      • I agree, this wait is horrible. I’m tired of checking my case online and no change. My case is also under RFE review. This is my 17th day so I guess I still have to wait quiet some time. Good luck everyone!

        Reply
    • My boss just updated our company address yesterday (08/12/13) and today I got an email from USCIS changes my status to “Initial Review”. Can anyone tell me what’s going on? Tomorrow is my 60th day waiting after the RFE submission.

      Thank you guys!!

      Reply
      • Oh!! may thats a glitch or may be they start doing the review again…
        ask your employer to call uscis and find out…
        my serires: EAC1313852***
        donno how they are working ….

        Reply
    • waiting 59days,
      There is no SLA for 60 day. That is typical processing time, but it can very well take longer than that. Only PP petitions have SLA of 15 calendar days, no other petition has that.

      Reply
  27. Hi Guys,
    My H1B Application status directly moved from IR to Post Decision Activity /Approval status . Approval date mentioned is 12th August .
    WAC1314251XXX
    RP

    Thanks a lot and wishing you all the very best.

    Reply
  28. I am tired of waiting. 🙁

    My petition was upgraded to premium by my employer on the 26th of July. We are now in the 17th Calendar day and my attorney has no updates for me. I don’t even have the receipt number as the companies policy does not allow the attorney to share the receipt number with me. Not sure what to do. Don’t want to tick my attorney off by hounding her over this.

    Reply
    • So I heard back from my attorney. Seems Like the companies A/P department had issues some checks which were voided 🙁 and one of them turned out to be my check sent to USCIS for upgrade to Premium. She says she is waiting to hear back from the Burlington Finance center on how to proceed further. But she has no idea on how long will the burlington finance center take to respond back. Has any of you faced this issue before. Please let me know,really need your help.

      Reply
  29. Hi,
    I heard that USCIS is processing applications based on “Alphabetical Order” of company names and not by Case number.

    Can anybody know -what series of “Alpha letter” is going on?

    Please update…

    Reply
    • @ waiting my dream ,,, thats totally wrong assumption. My company name starts with z, and my petition is processed 2 months back.Its currently at RFE stage.

      Reply
  30. I have seen everybody getting, RFE, Approved petitions, and still Initial Review, but has anybody got denied their petition(not because didnt get selected in the lottery)?

    When browsing different Receipt Numbers I only see those 3 status but none of them in reference with a denial.

    Reply
  31. My petition is still in IR since April 8. EAC-13-139-52XXX, any one else in same situation?
    Any idea how long it can take to get some news?

    Reply
  32. Hi,

    I got RFE on june 21 EAC 1314850***, we replied to them on August 05, and the fedex receipt shows that is was delivered on the 7th, however in USCIS website my status is still RFE.

    Does anybody went through the same situation, they take a while to change the status the review of RFE?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Same here. Yet to change to RFE Review. Also, any idea how long it could take for the final verdict for an RFE replied under Regular Processing?

      Reply
      • my petition is RP/RQ, according to my lawyer we should have an answers in the next 10 days, but i don’t think that’s right. USCIS can take up to 60 days to review the RFE.

        But i thought once they got the RFE response they will change the status in their website immediately, but I guess I am wrong.

        Reply
        • My case went to RFE on July 5 and my lawyer responded on July 11th, but still my case is not updated still same RFE itself , hope it changes in the next few days..

          Reply
          • Actually I just got an update, my case status is Request for evidence Response Review, it took them about 4 business days to update their system.

      • I replied recently too and it’s been changed to RFE review a day after the delivered date.
        I’m AD/RP.
        Hope we will get visas!!!!!

        Reply
  33. Hi guys,
    I checked uscis website yesterday and found my h1b application landed straight in post decision activity from IR. Checked my colleague’s receipt number and his application too got approved.
    Wac1314351***
    wac1314352***

    Rp/rq/ IT.

    It says it was approved on 9th Aug and looks like it got updated on the 12th.

    Thanks and best of luck.

    Reply
  34. For WAC 13 143 51 000 to WAC 13 143 51 100 series . out of 100 receipts 72 were in initial review on 5 th AUgust 2013 . Today as of 12 August there are 30 . out of 42 , 25 gone to RFE and rest Approved . Best of Luck to all

    Reply
  35. Wanted to chk if anyone got COS (L1B-H1B) already approved and received I797 with new I94. Mine is in decision stage and want to understand is I797 and new I94 is part of PDA or it will arrive after decision approval. and how much time it will take to get I797 and new I94

    Reply
  36. Hey Guys,

    I just noticed while doing random check ,few of the petiones are approved on 11th august i.e Sunday.Guys any clues about this.USCIS started working on sundays as well ?

    Cheers

    Reply
      • hope you are right boner.
        In that case atleast we can expect to get some result by sep end atleast.
        As i can see the approval rate now i thought its gona take some 3,4 months atleast for t hem to process all petitions for H1B.

        Fingers crossed !!

        Cheers 🙂

        Reply
  37. Hi All,
    Today i got my petition approved , EAC131485**** . Regular processing /IT.
    Thanks to this wonderful forum and Saurabh for giving invaluable suggestions.

    Saurabh – Currently i am in India and i have a H4 , can i enter the US on my H4 and then apply for a COS to H1B? or do you advise me to get my stamping done ?

    Reply
  38. Hi All,

    I have a query which i hope people in this forum will respond. My husband H1b petition is filed and we got to know on the last week of April that petition has been selected in lottery. We got RFE last week for “Employment Verification Letters”. One is from current employer and other is from previous one. I just wanted to know that after submitting the documents by when they will process the application.
    What is the probability of approval.
    If we want to convert it for premium processing how much money we need to pay?

    Waiting for the response.

    Reply
    • To upgrade to premium processing it is $1100 (if I am not wrong).
      When they will process the application – Within 2 months (but exceptions are there). Mine got approved within 15 days after response of RFE submission. If all documents are submitted in response to RFE, then probability of rejection is low. Good Luck.

      Reply
      • Thanks pankaj and cd for prompt reply. We are very much worried in this situation. after waiting so long than we got RFE, i think we need to wait for another 2 months. We are planning for applying H4 visa for me and daughter after approval also i have to resign from my organisation and serve the notice period. I don;t know how we will manage. But after your response we are hopeful for the approval of petition. Congratulations to you for the approval.

        One more question to ask: Is there is any time limit to respond to RFE?

        Reply
        • within 3 months, you would have to respond. All would be well, this RFE does not look too peculiear. But you never know. Hope for the best. After submitting RFE response, I think, in another 1 month, you should get the approval (decision).

          Reply

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