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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 ?

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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 guys!
    So happy to see so many of you getting they approvals.
    Since I am new to H-1B, can anyone please clarify these?

    1) What is the list of all documentation we need now to keep for the entire stay in US?
    – passport
    – h-1b visa (in passport)
    – i-94 (in passport, after arrival)
    The above listed are obvious, but what about these?
    i-797 notice of action (approval)
    copy of the entire i-129 petition

    2) What are the necessary actions an H-1B employee needs to take after arrival to us?
    – apply for SSN right after visiting the employer
    Anything else?

    3) Are there any necessary actions between stamping and arrival?
    – I guess no.

    4) What are the recommended actions one should do after arrival?
    – find a housing
    – buy a temporary medical insurance for first 3-4 months and then get long-term insurance
    – open a bank account
    – get a state’s driver’s licence
    – keep paystubs from employer in case of getting fired for H-1B transfer

    Thank you for clarifying my concerns. I would be also happy for any link on this topic. Thanx.

    Reply
  2. Hi Guys,
    My wife’s H1 B is approved on monday. Is it feasible for new employer to file H1 B can exempt petition and get the approval before 1st Oct 2013 in PP ? She is currently on L2 and COS is apporved to H1 B . we have only receipt number ( No I-797).

    I am thinking about next 2 weeks of time is sufficient to file LCA and getting approval before oct 1st 2013 in PP . What if new employer petition is approved post Oct 1st ? would she going in to out of status between Oct 1st and approval date ? if it is approved after Oct 1st .

    If possible to file new petition and get the receipt number before 1st OCT , can she work on based on petition # ? Or she can work only on new petition apporval ?

    Appreciate your help.

    Thanks,

    Reply
    • Answers:

      My wife’s H1 B is approved on monday. Is it feasible for new employer to file H1 B can exempt petition and get the approval before 1st Oct 2013 in PP ?
      Yes!! It would be feasible. But cant say abt approval before 1st Oct.

      She is currently on L2 and COS is apporved to H1 B . we have only receipt number ( No I-797).
      Have to have 797 approval papers with i94. Cant transfer with just the Receipt Number.

      I am thinking about next 2 weeks of time is sufficient to file LCA and getting approval before oct 1st 2013 in PP .
      If you think so well and good.

      What if new employer petition is approved post Oct 1st ? would she going in to out of status between Oct 1st and approval date ? if it is approved after Oct 1st .

      She wont be OOO. As she can start working for Emp B on the receipt (no approval needed) post Oct1.(Confirm this with attorney of Emp B)

      If possible to file new petition and get the receipt number before 1st OCT , can she work on based on petition # ? Or she can work only on new petition apporval ?
      Answered above.

      My opinion – Worth taking a risk. But act fast. All the best

      Reply
      • Thank you so much .

        Let me put one of my question clearly i.e
        Would be the next 2 weeks of time sufficient to file LCA and petition in PP ?

        Reply
        • Hi Uma,
          I am in a similar situation, and trust me, its difficult. I am 5+ DWBI with an approved COS effective Oct 1st, but below are some of the issues.

          1. U must have the original 979 approval notice. Attorney’s will not file a H1 cap exempt petition for transfer with out it.
          2. I know people who went for stamping after changing employer before Oct 1st, but their stamping in India run into issues.
          3. If your transfer goes to RFE, it will be an overhead and suppose ur new employer chooses to withdraw petition considering the RFE complexity, then u wud b in deep trouble.

          Reply
          • Thank you.

            I read petition number would be sufficient to file petition in the same and other forums. As I learnt from H1KiAag and your commnets , it seems diffucult.

          • @UmaMahesh
            Would be the next 2 weeks of time sufficient to file LCA and petition in PP ?
            LCA – Usually takes 5 -7 days. But may take less.
            PP – 15 calendar days or less.

            Even if you apply on Monday. 16th
            LCA 0n 20th.
            Then PP may take till 5th Oct.
            you would be OOO for 5 days. but can get through. USCIS is not that strict on this (My personal opinion).

            @H4toH1CosApproved
            3. If your transfer goes to RFE, it will be an overhead and suppose ur new employer chooses to withdraw petition considering the RFE complexity, then u wud b in deep trouble.
            Even if your new employer withdraws you still have approved H1 from previous one. Dont worry about this. Dont leave the approved employer till your new Visa gets approved.

  3. hi all,

    can anyone tell me how can i know my petition period of my H1-B visa,
    is there any other way we can get in websites?
    what is the average petition period got for u guys..
    my receipt number is wac13140 series

    petition period varies on which? exp?

    pls let me know
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Only way to know the petition validity period is through the petition approval notice. You may want to ask your employer

      Petition period could be valid from 1-2-3 years. So average is 2 years, mine petition is 2 years valid till 2015

      Reply
  4. Hello Members,

    My Case Status changed from IR to PDA, find the comments below which i collected it from the USCIS case status site. As per the first paragraph i am assuming that my case was approved.
    But after reading 2nd paragraph i am not clear. whether its Approved or is there any queries.

    Please share your comments after reading below USCIS comments:
    ———————–
    Post Decision Activity

    On September 12, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

    For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations.

    Thanks,
    All

    Reply
  5. Hi,

    Anyone who is still waiting on “RFE Response review” for more than 2 months. I am in WAC13135 series.

    Thanks

    Reply
  6. Hi folks…

    Finally after a long wait.. my petition EAC13142512**moved to post decision from IR on 12th of this month.

    All the very best for others waiting out there.. this fourm is really helpful in keeping up the hopes

    My petition is RQ/RP IT 5+

    Reply
  7. Dear All,

    finally i received the much awaited message of my life, My H1B got approved today.
    Thanks to every one on this forum to keep the hope alive for five months.
    Since March 2013, i have visited this forun every day.

    Those who ares till waiting for the approval, please wait for some more time, every one will get the results soon

    Thanks again

    Reply
  8. Dear All,

    finally i received the mush awaited message of my life, My H1B got approved today.
    Thanks to every one on this forum to keep the hope alive for five months.
    Since March 2013, i have visited this forun every day.

    Those who ares till waiting for the approval, please wait for some more time, every one will get the results soon

    Thanks again

    Reply
  9. Hi,

    I need few details.

    I am on L1 visa and in US currently. My H1B is approved in Jul’13. I got my I-797A also.

    But, what are the other documents that I should be need when I go for stamping when I visit my home country. And also if I wanted to change the employer here what are the documents needed to get from current employer when I apply for H1B transfer.

    Thanks.

    Reply
      • Same here. Almost all the petitions in my series have got some result except mine. Probably they lost my file 🙁 EAC13142514** IR since very first day. The worst part is that even if it’s approved immediately it will take almost a month to get papers and appear for interview and then have another two months of notice period to serve.

        Reply
        • Yet another weekend came, yet another week passed but the initial review remained in its initial status only 🙁 not sure for how long more this will continue.

          Reply
  10. Hi,

    My petition was approved a month back, but my employer has denied to provide me I-797, etc. Currently there is no project and hence, I have to leave my passport unstamped. Can I look for another employer if they can give me a project? How safe it is to get a project from bodyshoppers in US? Will I have a problem at the time of stamping?

    Reply
    • First thing first. You need a copy of I-797 to have your visa transferred/Find another employer.
      Now to your question.
      Can I look for another employer if they can give me a project?
      Yes you can.
      But better situation is where you stamp your visa through your current employer. Come to USA and then transfer. Which in your case seems not possible.
      Convince your employer to at least do the stamping. Also not giving you 797 is against the law as its your document.

      How safe it is to get a project from body shoppers in US?
      No one can guarantee you that.

      Will I have a problem at the time of stamping?
      Refer above.

      Reply
  11. Hi,

    Currently am on H4 and applied for H1…waiting for a decision. If the visa got approved do i have to start working from oct 1 itself ? I heard that after getting h1 we have 2 weeks time to start working. Please reply….

    Thanks,
    Jenny

    Reply
    • Jenny,

      You need to start from day one of your approval. There is no grace period. When I say you need to start it means you should be getting paid by your employer from Oct 1st. Some Desi consultants (body shoppers)keep searching for job even after 1st Oct but later on they make sure u get the paystubs from 1st Oct. If not then for that period you are OOO (out of status as ur H4 is not valid after 1st Oct) You can always get through this as of now, but later on (during GC) it could be an issue. Its like saying the one who gets caught is a thief 🙂 ..U can always get lucky.

      Reply
  12. Hi All,

    Ganapati Bappa gave me very good newz this morning. My petition got approved. Below is my story..

    1 Year back Nov 2012, EAC12 petition got denied (Reasons only employer knows)
    24 Aug 2013 (EAC12) petition reopened and God knows how this petition will make progress.

    1 April 2013 wac petition filed
    8 April wac13136xxxx
    6 June – RFE Issued ( employees count etc)
    29 Aug – RFE responded
    11 Sept – Approved

    Reply
  13. Hi ,
    No one is posting any changes approvals ,rife in WAC
    Wats happening in california center ?????
    Any wac13143 waiting
    M still waiting :(((((

    Reply
  14. Hi All,

    I am happy to share this comment after long waiting my petition got approved from IR to PDA on vinayagar chaturthi(Sep-9)..
    Thanks to this forum and who are all sharing & supported me by your advises.
    My Series is EAC13138538**
    Don’t Worry who are all in in process. Hope soon it will get approved soon…

    Thanks
    Babu T

    Reply
  15. I have upgraded to premium processing on Sep 4th 2013 for H1b 2014. It was in IR since Apr 8. I have lost all patience and upgraded. It’s been a week Status is showing as “Acceptance”. It’s not even in Initial review even after upgrading to premium processing. Why it is not showing as Initial Review. Will they change status from Acceptance it Approved?

    I am in below series: EAC1314452***

    On September 5, 2013, we received this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER and we e-mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case.

    Reply
  16. My Petition moved from IR to RFE today on 9/11. Petition number EAC1313952XXX. RQ/RP.
    Since I had signed up to case updates, I got an email today at 4.30 PM IST.
    My question is, on an average how many days does it take for the attorney to receive the RFE notice after the status change on the USCIS website.

    Reply
    • Its just a small hurdle before approval. Dont worry!!
      Common RFE’s:
      1. EE relationship – employer-employee relationship has been established.
      2. client SOW and letter.
      3. Employer details (usually tax filed, photos etc).
      4.Employment contract
      5.A project assessment
      6.A position description
      7.Organizational chart

      For change of status if dependent :
      1. Spouse’s I797 copy.
      2. Last 3 paystubs of spouse
      3. Marriage Certificate
      Basically docs which shows spouse is maintaining Visa status in the US.

      What should your employer do:

      ** It is necessary that the RFE is thoroughly read by the petitioner as well as the beneficiary and determine the required documents to be submitted to the USCIS in order to provide evidences in regard to your case.
      ** In case of H1-B petitions, the petitioner company or the attorney receives the RFE and they need to respond back to the USCIS with necessary evidences.

      Reply
  17. Hi All

    I got RFE on aug 14th still didnt receive the hard copies .

    I have 2 questions here

    1) How much USCIS will take to send the RFE details

    2) Is there any other way to know what the RFE is .

    Reply
    • Dont worry , I recieved mine after 4 weeks of date posted on their website.
      Actually , they update on the website much earlier than they actually dispatch the hard copies

      Reply
      • Both of you thanks for the response .

        Problem here is my employeer is not ready to share the receipt number . They are just telling for RFE has been raised on Aug 14 and they are waiting for hard copies .

        Reply
  18. Even my company didn’t share receipt number.. They say its against company’s policy…. They seem to be genuine.. We don’t have any choice!!:(((

    Reply
    • Yes you dont have options. Hope that the approval comes in. Then just tell your employer to give all the details. Else you would go to DOL with complaint.

      Reply
  19. HI Saurab,
    My employer is telling that its still in IR.
    (1) is there any deadline when the RP ones will be processed. Can it go beyond 1st Oct?
    (2) Is there any statistics what percenatge is already approved, rejected or RFE

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  20. Hi All,

    My petition got approved yesterday, I didn’t even have the receipt number with me as my employer didn’t share it.

    Thanks everyone for making this forum so interactive

    Aishy

    Reply
    • This type of company is called body-shopper!
      What the heck! It is against law in US to not to share Receipt no…you can even Sue them.
      Anyway, enjoy your life in US.

      USCIS should crackdown on such companies.

      Reply
  21. Hi everyone,

    Please tell me what exactly the below status refer to?

    Initial Review
    On September 5, 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

    Reply
    • some is working on your PETITION. Same was with me and within 4 hr directly change from IR to PDA.I went through lot of post no need to worry. This is random update.
      all the best!!

      Reply
  22. Vishal_address was changed
    Hi,
    Please help me…..How this will be routed to? Approval or RFE?

    On September 6, 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.

    Reply
  23. Hi,
    My husband got his H1b approved.
    He is applying for H4 now since we got married after his visa initiation.
    Now do we need to apply for a sepearte petition or a seperate DS-160 will do?
    What are steps to apply for H4 after H1b approval??
    PPl who have applied for H4 and got their stampping done pls help….

    Reply
  24. Hi Everyone ,

    I just got my H1 Approved . I am outside USA . I am planning for Visa Stamping Next Week .

    Request you to please share the Document Checklist . This is my First H1 B and a New Job .

    ALso , whats the process for H4 visa for my Wife . What documents are required . Can we attend Stamping together . ANy document required from employer.

    Please help

    Thanks

    Reply
  25. Hi Saurabh,

    I got RFE last week and my attorney will be responding to RFE this week.
    I would like to upgrade my application to premium processing with RFE response.But my attorney says we can not premium process with RFE response.Is this true? Is there anyway i can expedite the process after RFE response?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • U can reply RFE with Premium. The information given by ur employer is on correct.
      Usually they first reply the rfe, once it reaches USCIS they apply for PP.

      Reply
    • U can reply RFE with Premium. The information given by ur employer is incorrect.
      Usually they first reply the rfe, once it reaches USCIS they apply for PP.

      Reply
  26. Hello Guys,

    Happy to share thatH1 B got approved today. Series : EAC 1314851***, got an email and text. Went to PDA from IR.

    IT Regular + 1 year IT exp

    Thanks a lot .

    All the best for others

    Reply
  27. EAC 13-138-519** – RP/RQ – L1 to H1 CoS

    Approved and went in Post Decision Activity directly frim IR today.

    I was also in the same boat – Initial Review since 8th April.

    Best of luck to others..don’t give up. Don’t go to Premium now, its a matter of days now.

    Reply
  28. EAC131485****
    Regular

    just now received email.. got RFE..
    —————
    A request for evidence is made when an application/petition is lacking required documentation/evidence (initial evidence) or the officer needs more documentation/evidence (additional evidence) to determine an applicant’s eligibility for the benefit sought.
    —————

    I have already asked my employer to check on this.. didn’t expect this after 5 months long wait.. 🙁

    Reply
  29. Hi,

    After a long wait my petetion moved to RFE,and RFE was employer employee relationship.
    Just want to know is there anything such as all the petetions filed to USCIS need to respond on/before before OCT w.r.t Deninal/Approval.
    Thanks In advance.

    Reply
    • Nope.
      Some petitions can get as late as November december too. The official time period is 2 months after USCIS receives the RFE response.

      Reply
  30. All,
    My petition got Approved last night, thanks a lot all for ur help and time..
    Saurabh, a spcl thanks to u.. This is a very good platform to know things and I really appreciate this to the core…
    EAC1314452***
    Regular RQ RP and IT
    Direct to PDA from IR – Approved on 6th Sep (IR from 8th April)
    Thanks all…
    All the best and good luck to all the people out there who are awaiting…

    Reply
  31. Saurabh,
    Since lot of people are still in IR, myself in RFE response review.
    What are chances that process will go beyond oct 1.
    Any historic trend would be useful.

    Reply
  32. Hi ..after a long wait..i have got my status updated from IR to PDA. I-129 approved.
    FYI
    RQ/RP/IT
    EAC1314553***
    Saurabh and others..great job guys..Thanks a lot.

    Reply
    • How long did it take to go to Post Decision activity from IR?
      I get this message and still in IR from yesterday.
      the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. A notice was sent on this date explaining the specific reason for stopping the premium processing of your case. This notice will contain detailed information on further action required by you. Your premium processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case.

      Reply
  33. what does this status mean
    Post Decision Activity
    On September 6, 2013, the appropriate American Consulate or port of entry was notified of the approval of this case. Please contact them directly if you need more information.

    i applied for L1 to H1 cos. Doe sit mean its approved? or denied?
    do i have to go to india for stamping?

    Reply
      • So does it mean approval? or denial. I don’t have any issue in going back to india for stamping.

        my Application number is WAC1314052***

        i’m on L1 currently. applied for COS.

        but i travelled to india in between.

        apr 8 : application recieved
        may-june india visit
        july 22;RFE
        Aug 17: Refe response status
        sept 6 : above status

        Reply
        • Doesn’t look like that you would have to visit abroad to get the visa immediately. May be if you leave US next time, you will need visa to re-enter. But ensure to check with lawyer and get confirmation to be on safe side. Thanks.

          Reply
  34. Hello,

    I have a query regarding rfe,
    I got rfe on 22nd of august, and my employer mentioned that rfe is regarding the organization structure and every thing about the organization, now i want to upgrade my case from regular process to premium process, my attorney mentioned that they will upgrade it on mid of next week with out answering to rfe, and once they upgrade they will get the same rfe back and then they will answer…i just want to know is this the process you have to follow, bcoz i read in some blog that you must answer to rfe when you are upgrading to pp?

    Thank you in advance….

    Reply
  35. Hi All,

    My H1B has been approved.

    EAC1313950*, RP/RQ, Notice date – 18th Apr, Approved on 6th Sept.

    All the best to those waiting for approval.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • How long did it take to go to Post Decision activity from IR?
      I get this message and still in IR from yesterday.
      the 15-day Premium Processing clock stopped on your I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER. A notice was sent on this date explaining the specific reason for stopping the premium processing of your case. This notice will contain detailed information on further action required by you. Your premium processing receipt notice contains contact information for direct inquiries on your case.

      Reply
  36. Hi All,

    My RFE got Cleared today. Thanks for everyone in this forum for their guidance and sharing their thoughts. The forum been really helpful during the waiting period.
    Receipt Date : Apr 8
    RFE Date : June 30
    RFE Responded Date :Aug 23
    Approval Date : Sep 5.
    RFE was about my org.structure ,Scope of work and Contractual details.

    Wishing you guys all the the very best.

    Thanks,
    Arun

    Reply
  37. I have applied for H4 to H1B and got selected under lottery for 2014 quota. Waiting since then. I am in below series
    EAC131445****

    Notice date : April 8th.

    Since there is no decision on the case, I have upgraded to premium process on Sep 4th 2013. Please let me know how many days it will take to get a response.?

    Is there great chance of getting approval if it is a premium processing. I have experience of only 1.5 years. Do i get a rejection because of less experience?

    Reply
  38. Hi all ,

    I am currently on H4 and had applied for H 1. After waiting for 4 months case has gone in RFE. Anybody else in the same situation? Would like to know what could have been the reason for rfe. Getting no info from uscis / my company / attorney.

    Reply
  39. Mine got approved on 28th Aug. EAC1313853***; H4->H1 CoS; RP/RQ

    I had given up the daily ritual of checking status a week back and went on a nice long vacation. Came back to see a mail, and then status regarding approval.

    Background: IIT and 3 yrs IT Dev exp., then IIM and 3 yrs IT Sales exp.

    Good luck everyone.

    Reply
  40. So finally after a long wait I have gotten approval.
    Case History:
    Received date : April 8, 2013
    Notice date : April 26, 2013
    Approved date : September 4, 2013
    went directly from IR to PDA
    Receipt Number – Wac-13-144-50XXX

    Field – IT with 15 years experience

    Processing – RP/RQ

    Thanks to one and all and hope everyone gets their approvals.

    Reply

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