October 6
On October 3, 2017, USCIS resumed premium processing for all H-1B visa petitions. As we previously reported, on April 3, 2017, USCIS temporarily suspended premium processing at the beginning of H-1B filing season.
USCIS states they had, “previously resumed premium processing for H-1B petitions subject to the annual cap, petitions filed on behalf of physicians under the Conrad 30 waiver program, as well as interested government agency waivers and certain H-1B petitions that are not subject to the cap.” Premium processing will now be available for all H-1B visa types.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.
Premium processing services are requested by filing a form I-907 and paying a $1,225 fee. This guarantees 15-calendar-day processing of certain employment-based petitions including the H-1B. H-B petitions affected by the premium processing suspensions are those filed on or After April 3, 2017.
USCIS stated two reasons for the suspension. Foremost, it allowed them to reduce overall H-1B processing times. Back in April USCIS claimed that the suspension would allow for the processing of “long-pending petitions”. Secondly, the suspension was said to, “prioritize adjudication of H-1B extension of status cases that are nearing the 240-day mark.”
Premium processing facilitates employers by allowing them to receive early visa decisions for business planning. Moreover, it allows beneficiaries to start work sooner. Lack of premium processing affects H-1B workers filing an extension as that their 240-day extension may run out before their application is processed.
Recent Immigration Articles
Check out these articles below
The history of Native Americans and immigration in the United States is one of cooperation, conflict, and transformation. From early interactions during European colonization to modern collaborations for justice, the dynamics between Native tribes and immigrant groups have shaped the nation’s identity. Case Studies of InteractionThe Fur Trade: Cooperation and ExchangeOne of the earliest examples of
Read MoreNavigating the Intersection of Innovation and ImmigrationAravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, embodies the journey of a visionary immigrant transforming the technological landscape while confronting the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. His story resonates with many skilled professionals striving to make impactful contributions amid bureaucratic challenges.Early Life and Academic PursuitsBorn on June
Read MorePresident-elect Donald Trump has outlined a comprehensive approach to immigration reform, addressing both border security and domestic enforcement. His proposed plan includes actions aimed at reshaping how the United States manages immigration, including physical border defenses and policies affecting both undocumented individuals and visa holders within the country. Here’s an in-depth look at the key
Read MoreOn September 25, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced significant updates to its Policy Manual regarding the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). These changes, outlined in Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 7 of the Policy Manual, address the process of calculating a CSPA applicant’s age, particularly for
Read More