Home » US Immigration - Visas » H1B Visa » USCIS H1B Visa 2014 Regular Processing Time? Premium Processing ? FAQs ?

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

| by | 8,159 Comments

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.

   

Other Articles

8,159 Comments

  1. Hi Folks,

    do you have any idea on RFE description?
    i got description as “On September 3, 2013, we mailed a notice requesting initial evidence in this case. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the evidence requested.”

    when i checked with others it is “On July 10, 2013, we mailed a notice requesting additional evidence or information in this case I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER”.

    what might be inital evidences and additional evidence? Please share your ideas.
    Thanks in advance.

    Reply

  3. Eac 13146502xx

    It went to RFE today, finally and after a long wait!!! Will be waiting for the mail to see what documents are needed for their further decision.

    Hang in there everybodyyyyyy! Seems that USCIS is still working on getting cases done!

    Take it easy and Wish for the best!! Oh yea~~~

    Reply

  4. My petition finally got approved on 9/3. It was a long journey, a long wait for all this months. But luckily, it jumped directly to “Post Decision Activity” from “Initial Review”..!! Phew…

    Good luck to all those looking around for the most awaited update..!!

    Reply

  5. Received approval mail from my employer today…:)
    Petition No. EAC1314350***
    Approved in first week of august.
    Thanks a lot to the team for such an informative portal and All The Best to all of you waiting.. !!

    Reply

  6. Dear All,

    RFE who will answer ? ourselves or our attorney ? and to whom RFE is sent first? pls reply one who wish to help me about this querry….

    Reply

    • RFE should be answered by Attorney/Employer. If there is any need of document or information from our side, they will ask us. RFE document will be sent to attorney if attorney has filed the petition or it will be sent to Employer

      Reply

  7. Hi All..
    I am still stucked up in IR from april.
    I have checked 50 no before and after my no and only 19 are left in IR.
    can anyone have idea that what are the chances and by when this wait will over.
    This wait is very frustating

    Reply

  8. Dear Friends,

    For my H1B from april 8 th i got RFE on sep 3….but i didnt got any mail about that….just checking USCIS it is from IR to RFE….now what can i do…..pls share your opinion to reduce my frustration….

    Reply

  9. Friends , Let me thank this group for helping .I have a approved H1 2014(First Time never worked in US before) and due for going for stamping this month( sep 2013 ). I have about 9 yrs of experience, worked for various MNCs . I got releaved form my last employer in Jun 2013 . My questions is I do not have play slips for last two months as I got releaved soon . But I have all my pay stubs till Jun 2103 and previous tax returns . Just want to seek advise whether its fine..

    Reply

  10. Finally, After a long wait and many hiccups, got the APPROVAL!!!!!
    Case History:
    Received date : April 8, 2013
    Notice date : April 22, 2013
    RFE date : July 17, 2013
    RFE about : Employee- Employer relation
    RFE Response date : August 21, 2013
    Approved date : September 3, 2013

    Receipt Number – Wac-13-138-53XXX

    Field – IT

    Processing – Regular

    Quota – Regular (Not advanced degree)

    Thanks to one and all and hope everyone will get their approvals.

    Reply

  11. Hi.
    My H1B petition was approved on August 29.
    Receipt # WAC1313452***
    RFE deadline: Aug 29
    RFE Response: Aug 9
    Approval: Aug 29

    Now I have a question.
    I am on F1 OPT and requested COS (which should be granted…havent looked at the actual document yet). I want to get a visa stamped on my passport as I want to go home again over Xmas and there’s no way I can get a visa interview etc ontime around holidays…

    So what do you do next?
    Do you file DS160 and can you choose a local consulate in your home country?
    Would it be more difficult if you go to Canada for the visa interview? (my employer wants me to come back soon… I got BA and MA from the USA. I am Japanese)
    Please help me out!

    Reply

  12. Hi ppl,

    I am still waiting for approval and no update since april.. Mine is RQ/RP/ver..
    Will every one get decision by sep end as the petition is valid from oct or will it take even longer??
    Any one in same boat.. So frustrating to wait…:(

    Reply

  13. Hey Guys/Saurabh – Need Help/guidance on resolving this one. Please help.

    I have received RFE, asking for Client Letter and SOW. My questions are as below –

    1) How Complex is this RFE?
    2) Problem is – I have submitted the Client Letter, which has my assignment date ending as 30th June 2013, but it is clearly mentioned that this date can be extended till Dec’2014. Do you think, this being the reason for RFE? I am trying to get new Client Letter mentioning future date as Assignment ending date. Just in case, if I don’t get the new one, should I resend the old Client Letter, emphasizing on “potential” extension to 2014 clause? Plz advise.
    3) Does it matter, if LCA address and Client Letter work location address are NOT same? My client has multiple offices in a city, and LCA has one and Client letter has another address. Should I try to rectify that also in new Client letter? How critical it is?

    Reply

    • hello JMD,

      I wish you Good Luck!!. Please find my opinions inline –

      1) Not sure about the complexity of your RFE. I will leave it to Saurabh/Others experience fellow to comment. In my opinion, this is a regular one.
      2) you should try best to provide the latest Client letter, with corrected information. If you can show future date as assignment end date, that makes more sense.
      3) Saurabh – any comments on address mismatch? I think these should in sync, but 25miles radius is acceptable.

      Good Luck to you.

      Thanks!!

      Reply

    • Dear Friend,
      I got RFE on sep 3…checking USCIS website shows RFE…but i didnt got any mail from USCIS or my attorney….How do we know RFE details…..pls advice….its very pain to got RFE status…

      Reply

  16. Hi Got my RFE on aug 14 . Till i dodnt get the har copies . sould some one suggest me how long USCIS will take to send the hard copies reg RFE .

    Reply

  17. Hi,
    My friend got the below . what is it means? Is it approved or denied?

    Decision

    On August 19, 2013, we mailed a notice acknowledging withdrawal of this application or petition I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. If you have not received the notice within 30 days of August 21, 2013, contact our customer service at 1-800-375-5283. If at some point in the future you wish to pursue the benefits provided by this application or petition, you must file a new application along with all applicable fees and evidence.

    Reply

  18. Hi,

    My status is in RFE for a month now and my attorney is still working on it. Does it take so long for them to respond to USCIS?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • I had to work on the response or at least collect all the documents and data as the attorney wouldn’t of course know all the small details of my organization (unless you work for a big company and your attorneys always work for your company). I got my RFE late June, and my attorney finished everything early August…it takes a while…

      Reply

  19. My employer (which is a service company based out of India) applied for H1-B with client site as the work location however the petition moved to RFE on 8/14 asking for below:

    1. SoW (Statement of Work) between my employer and the client
    2. Organization chart reflecting where I am placed in the organization.

    My query is; does RFE imply that the petition processing is almost done with only the remaining documents being pending evaluation which the USCIS has asked for in the RFE notice? How long does it usually take post submitting the RFE response?

    Reply

    • Hope so!
      I got a RFE as well, and 20 calendar days after the submission, the petition got approved. And no second RFE.
      Hopefully yours is the same.Yours seem very simple!

      Reply

  20. My H1B petition is approved within two days of changing it to premium processing. Thank you all for the support and continuous updates.

    status on USCIS shows as Decision.

    I would like to know when will i get I797.

    Reply

  21. Hi,

    Is there anyone for whom the receipt status is showing “RFE response Review” for more than 60 days? Mine is stuck there ad not moving since last 60 days.

    Any suggestion on what can be done to followup/enhance the process?

    Thanks !!

    Reply

    • Do you mean 60 working days?? if yes, you can ask your attorney or Employer to follow up..e-request would be a good idea.

      Reply

      • @ RFE for Educcation evaluation

        Am still waiting for approval. Still in IR
        Mine is EAC131395****

        Looking at your subject – “RFE for Educcation evaluation”, looks like you have got a RFE,

        Can you please provide the details of your RFC and when did u get RFE?

        Reply

        • Hi, I got RFE on 26th June and got the documents about RFE on 2nd July at my attorney office. According to my employer and attorney, we had to submit education/experience evaluation report to USICS that shows that my employer has hired me based on my education and experience’s combination.

          We have not responded to that RFE yet.(planning to do it this week). The RFE came as I have submitted final year marksheet and Degree certificate only.

          There are couple of guys I know who had same RFE this year and got approval.

          Hope this will help.

          Reply

  22. Hi all,

    I attended H1-B on friday 30th august here in chennai consulate. Yes i got it approved.
    Here are the questions i got

    1) Who is your employer
    2)Name your client
    3)Client location in US
    4)Client business
    5)Your roles and responsibilities at onsite

    i guess wearing company tag boosts your confidence, i did it. That s it. He said your visa is approved and i will be getting mail from consulate.

    Saurabh redbus is a great website for US visa seekers. carry your good work.

    Reply

    • Congratz Venkatesh

      Even my H1B is approved and would be going for stamping shortly.

      I have some questions

      1.) How long did it take for getting the documents from USCIS after approval?
      2.) Am from Bangalore, hence need to choose either Chennai or Hyderabad consulte. Which consulate do you suggest me?
      3.) Is it required for submitting any documents to USCIS before Bio-metrics?

      I have few more questions.
      If you don’t mind, can u please send a friend request to my gmail id – madhavi(dot)savitha(at)gmail(dot)com

      Reply

    • Congrats Venkatesh.

      I got my H1B petition approved.
      1. How long does it take to get the documents to india from USCIS?
      2. Once i get the documents, how long does it take to book an appointment for Visa stamping.
      3. I am from hyderabad, where do you suggest me to go for stamping? Chennai or hyderabad?

      Pls help.

      Reply

    • Congratulations..

      Did you receive approval documents from your employer? or how long does it take to get the approval documents from employer to go for stamping.

      Reply

  23. Got my petition approved today.
    This forum has been a lot of support through out this journey.

    Thanking all and wishing the very best with your petitions and further ahead in your career…

    Reply

  25. My H1B EAC1314653***series , still in Initial review from May 1 st….somebody got approved above my series number….maximum how long we have to wait….anybody in my series pls share ur opinion………

    Reply

  26. I have one question, normally for change of status with in US means USCIS will send the approval document along with new I94, now I94 is automated, so how does the new I94 format along with approved copy, will it come or no
    any suggestions

    Reply

  30. Hi Saurabh,
    If we upgrade petition with new i-94 (COS) does it go back to acceptance?
    Background,
    H1b was filed without COS when I was in India and now I gave my i-94 details to lawyers including my US address to add COS. My petition is AD/RP/IT

    thank you

    Reply

    • Hey Jammer,

      My case is very similar to yours. It was filed when I was in India and now that I have RFE and that I am in the US on H4, I would like to know if we can request for COS (with I94) while submitting RFE response.

      Please let me know what happens to your case. My email id is kamal2311 gmail com

      Reply

  31. I am waiting from Apr 8th…..

    My case no : WAC1313550***

    Still in IR only…

    It will be almost 5 months soon…

    So frustrating to wait so long, people i enquire either everybody has got a RFE or Approved…Best part is few of them have done with their stamping too…:(

    All the best to who all are still waiting..Congrats to all the approved ones..

    viswa

    Reply

    • Mine too. In same series (WAC1313550***).

      And my status shows “Alien Registration Number Changed on April 16th”.

      Have no idea what it means.

      Reply

  32. Anyone got any recent updates on EAC1314854** series.my case is in IR from April 8th..My case was l1 to h1 in consular processing…Has anyone got any decision in consular processing till now or these cases are processed at last when everyone else is done.

    Reply

  33. Anyone from Infy who got H1b approved ? My petition is approved but AIMS system is not updated. It has been more than 30 days now since USCIS was updated with approval status ? Any idea when will they updated AIMS and when will the start the process of visa stamping ?

    Reply

  34. Hi ,
    I am a regular reader for this forum……it gives so much of hope . Many of my frnds have got approval but i m still waiting 🙁 .How long can this process take…..any idea

    Reply

  35. Finally after a loooooooooooooooooong wait my H1B petition got approved straight from IR to PDA.

    Receipt No: EAC1313853***

    This forum helped a lot and All the best for the people who are waiting for their H1B approval.

    Reply

  36. Hi,
    My H1B got approved and my petition end date is 30 September,2015. I read in the blog that there are three different end dates petition end date,visa end date, I-94 end date.
    Can the visa end date be beyond the petition end date? i.e During visa stamping ,will they issue visa end date as a date before 30 September ,2015 only or can it be beyond that also?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • They will only give visa per the petition end date…for H1-B generally the I-94 date is petition end date…you have to apply for extension after that. (I-539)

      Reply

  37. Finally after loooooooong long waiting…. my H1B has been approved.

    My case no. is WAC13137506**.

    Thanks to everyone in this forum for all your moral support.

    And wish you good luck for those who are waiting.

    Reply

  38. Finally after loooooooong long waiting…. my H1B has been approved.

    My case no. is WAC13137506**.

    Thank to everyone in this forum for all your moral support.

    And wish you good luck for those who are waiting.

    Reply

  39. Hello Everyone,

    I just checked my status to find that I got an RFE. WAC1314350***

    Can anyone tell me how many days does it take for the notice to reach my attorney. August is almost over. I guess it takes at least a month for decision from the date of RFE.

    A

    Reply

      • you will need to get education/experience evaluation (many firms in US do this. ask your attroney about it)which indicates that you have USA BS or master degree and experience which is fit for the offered position. I got the same. I am waiting for the decision. I know couple of guys who got approval after this RFE.

        Thanks

        Reply

  41. I was passive follower of this great forum which gives lots of hopes and guidance on the progress of H1B petition. I just wanted to let know my petition went to RFE today – though it is not great news for me but just wanted to update on progress that we are seeing traction on WAC1314450* series..

    Application Received date – April 8th
    Notice Date – April 26th
    RFE Date – August 28th

    Sent a note to employer to follow-up, not sure what is the timeline to respond to RFE

    Reply

    • This forum has been great consoling factor to keep the hopes high and providing alternatives to handle different scenario. As much as consolation I received, would like to thank God and let know H1 is approved after multiple RFEs, sharing the dates still someone in same boat and don’t lose hope and all will come good..
      Application Received date – April 8th
      Notice Date – April 26th
      RFE Date – August 28th
      RFE Responded Date – September 30th
      2nd RFE Notice Date – October 20
      RFE Responded Date – January 10
      Approval Notice – February 5

      Regular processing and RFE was related to educational qualifications

      Reply

  42. Hi Guys

    I am on h4 visa and ya filed my h1b prettition. I haven’t heard anything since April 8 other that application number. My h4 visa is expiring on jan 15 . I am afraid if I wait further than it would be too late to plan my h4 extension in case if my h1b prettition is denied.

    My question here is can I file for h4 extension while my h1b is in process (waiting for result )

    I will appreciate your suggestions and then I will post a summary based on all responses for others

    Reply

  43. Saurabh,

    I am currently on my OPT in a XYZ company in USA which expired on september 05, however my I20 was extended until september 30, so legally if i don’t get an answer for my H1B i can work until Semptember 30th. Now if i get an answer after September 5 but before the 30th, when is the last day i can officially work for my company? I can check my status on USCIS if denied should i stop the next day, or if i see denied petition i have to wait until the physical paper reaches the lawyer (normally 1 week) extending my working days in XYZ USA company?

    thanks

    Reply

    • 1. You can work for ur current OPT company till Sep 5, un-conditionally.
      2. You can work for ur current OPT company till Sep 30, while ur petition is still pending/RFE but not denied.
      3. If your H1 got approved mean while, by default from oct1st on wards u can start working for ur new employer (who sponsored ur H1).

      Cheers, wish u GL

      Reply

        • 1. U will have 60 days of buffer time to stay/leave US but u can’t work till ur H1 approved.
          2. If ur H1 denied, say around oct 15, then ur count down/buffer time starts from here.
          3. Mean while u can change ur status to F1(try to get admission in college which will give CPT) so that u can continue working
          or if u have the option of converting ur status to dependent(h4, L2), u can stay in US

          FYI, I’m going through different blogs/forums and trying to summaries em..
          please check/confirm with ur employer/attorney aswell.. GL

          Reply

          • when you say you cant work after sep 30 if H1 is pending means?
            Lose job or go on leave or what?

            I am also trying to get in touch with my lawyer and checking in online forums.
            Pls reply.
            Thanks

          • 1. Yes, u can take leave/vacation, if ur client agrees. As u r not legal to work in US, there shouldn’t be any pay-checks on ur behalf during this period.
            2 As mentioned before, u can join a college which will give u CPT so that u can continue working..

  44. My Petition was filed on 1st April 2013. My Employer says they are yet to receive any response regarding my petition.

    I was in US on L1B earlier till Feb 2012.

    Do I still have any chance of my H1b petition being selected in Lottery and they haven’t informed us yet / Am I in the waiting list.

    Has anyone come across this situation ?

    Reply

    • Hi Siva,

      I was also on L1-B till Mar 2013. I have to move out of US as my L1 extension was denied. But my H1B was filed and got my receipt#. But still in Initial Review from Apr 8th. Fingers crossed and waiting patiently.

      Thanks.

      Reply

      • Hi

        I am currently on L1A and still in US. My H1 is also in IR from 8th April, i dont know when this wait killing will end.

        thanks

        Reply

  45. Finally 🙂 My H1 is approved after replying to RFE.

    RFE Response date – 19th August 2013
    Decision Date – 28th August 2013 (just in 9 days)

    Case no – WAC13140500**

    Reply

  46. Finallyy !!!! Hurrayy!!! my H1 got approved today.
    Receipt # : EAC1313852***
    start date : Apr 8th.
    Alien reg # change : apr 17th
    RFE : may 13th.
    responded : jul 8th
    approved: Aug 28th.
    Field : IT 5yrs exp
    waited for almost 54 days after rfe response … (annoying days)
    I want to thank God , the fellow friends and surabh for the updates and advices here. From Apr, I followed this forum.
    Hope everything goes well from now and gud luck to ppl waiting!!!

    Reply

      • Did u called by yourself or attorney/employer called USCIS on ur behalf..?
        From this forum heard that, USCIS wont answer/interact with us directly, it should be employer/attorney..?

        Reply

    • Hi,

      Could you please help to share what was the RFE about? Mine is RQ/RP/IT got RFE on 23rd Aug, I am still waiting to hear from my employer.

      Reply

      • My rfe is on educational evaluation
        @rfe-updates:yes we cant call uscis and ask info abt rfe or anyhting. But i said them that im applicant and asked that its been 53 days and when can i expect a update on my case ? So they said i’ve to wait for 60 days after response and finished the call.
        I think its coincidence but may be a trigger for them too as its been 53 days on my case.
        So dont call uscis if you u r stage is in rfe or for rfe docs info ….

        Reply

    • Congratulations..

      Did you receive approval documents from your employer? or how long does it take to get the approval documents from employer to go for stamping.

      Reply

  47. I had been analysing EAC numbers above & below mine in my series eac13146 over the past 2 days. I found many were approved or in RFE recently
    For some strange reason I felt mine would be approved today and I had been checking every 15 mins!!! and just now found it approved!!!!

    Hurray!!!!

    Reply

    • NOT AN EXPERT OPINION:::

      I believe the I129 gets rejected directly without any RFE or NOID if the fees are incorrect.
      In other cases there should be an NOID or RFE sent before denial.

      Reply

  49. Hi Saurabh & Team Members,

    I am working for a top MNC and my H1B status turned into RFE on July 31st 2013. However my employer claims that they have still not received a copy of the RFE statement. Its almost 4 weeks but have not known the reason for the same.

    a. How long does it normally take for USICS to intimate the RFE mail.
    b. How long will it take to process my application further after i submit the necessary documents.
    c. Will there be any chances of rejection?
    d. Is there any way to obtain the copy immediately or sooner ?

    Kindly suggest your experiences on this.

    Regards,
    Altruist.

    Reply

    • a. How long does it normally take for USICS to intimate the RFE mail.
      Usually it take 2-3 weeks.
      b. How long will it take to process my application further after i submit the necessary documents.
      Case to case basis. May take 15 days , month or months. PP is the best way to know your result sooner.
      c. Will there be any chances of rejection?
      Again depends on case. If the RFE is a complex one (ee relationship,Client letter, company tax,photo etc) and its a small company then yes.
      d. Is there any way to obtain the copy immediately or sooner ?
      Better tell your attorney to call USCIS. They do respond.

      Reply

  50. Finally after a long wait my H1 got approved. From Initial Review stage it directly went to Post Decision Activity. My case us EAC-13-139-52XXX

    Reply

Leave a Comment