H1b premium processing On the other hand, expedited processing is only done on a case by case basis from USCIS. The cost for premium processing is $2,500 for visas that allow it. Petitions that are filed under Premium Processing are expedited by USCIS and are considered within 15 business days of receipt by USCIS. Regular is standard, taking months without extra fees, while Premium guarantees a 15-day processing for a $2,500 fee but doesn't improve approval chances. One question that is often asked is whether or not premium processing affects the H-1B cap. H1B processing times are way too long. Jan 27, 2025 · When filing an H4 visa concurrently with an H1B petition under premium processing, applicants aim to expedite the process for dependents of H1B visa holders. By contrast, H1B premium processing is an expedited service offered by USCIS for an additional fee. However Keep in mind that premium processing is not available for every work visa. Jan 22, 2025 · October 16 th, 2020 : USCIS released a press note indicating that they are increasing the Premium processing fee for H1B to $2,500 based on the Public Law 116 -159. Premium processing costs an additional $1,225. Understanding RFEs Your employer must complete Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing) and pay the current premium processing fee of $2,500 for H1B visas. What is H-1B Premium Processing? Premium Processing is an optional service offered by USCIS that expedites the review of certain employment-based visa applications, including the H-1B visa. With premium processing, USCIS guarantees a decision—either an approval, denial, or a request for evidence (RFE)—within 15 calendar days of receipt. For those seeking faster processing, premium processing offers a solution. Select your form, form category, and the office that is processing your case. Mar 24, 2025 · If you are requesting premium processing for Form I-140, visit our Form I-140 page to find the correct filing address. Fees increased in 2024 due to inflation. Mar 3, 2025 · I-129/I-907 Premium Processing (Filed Together or Separately) U. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process their forms (I-539 for status extension and I-765 for work permits) faster when combined with a premium-processed H1B I-129 petition (used by the worker Aug 28, 2024 · The H1B visa process allows U. This service allows the U. By paying an additional premium processing fee of $2,805, petitioners can expedite the review of their H1B petition. Requests for Evidence (RFEs) can delay applications but aren't denials. The premium processing service, governed by 8 CFR 103. STE 907 Irving, TX 75038-0001 Feb 24, 2025 · There is no additional cost for standard processing beyond the standard H1B petition fees. It can only be used for visas that make use of the I-129 and I-140 petitions. Jan 28, 2025 · Errors in H4 EAD applications, particularly when premium processing is used, can lead to serious consequences. If you file a standard H1B petition, processing times can seem a bit long. Nov 22, 2016 · However, it can help if you are filing petition late and still want to try to become part of the H1B lottery. Premium processing is an optional service provided by the USCIS that allows most visas and green cards using the I-129 and I-140 petitions to have their processing times expedited from a six month average to just 15 calendar days. FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Texas Service Center Attn: I-129 E-3 Premium Processing 6046 N Belt Line Rd. I-129 fee is $460. USCIS has implemented premium processing for some of those listed in the law, but rest of them are yet to be implemented. Jun 18, 2024 · Premium processing is not available for Form I-539 applications filed for dependents of a Form I-129 beneficiary classification. On average, standard processing takes anywhere from 4 to 8 months, while premium processing ensures a decision within 15 calendar days. com Mar 31, 2025 · U. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). For example, applicants for the F-1 student visa cannot pay the additional $1,225 fee and get an expedited student visa. Paying for premium processing service guarantees a USCIS decision within 15 calendar days of filing, or within 15 days of a response to a Request for Evidence , if USCIS Which Forms are Designated for Premium Processing? section of these Instructions for the relevant premium processing timeframes. The governmental filing fee for this service is $2,805 over and above the standard filing fees. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that are subject to the H-1B cap. To request premium processing, submit Form I-907 and the processing fee of $2,500 to USCIS. Jan 18, 2025 · Currently, H4 visa holders (spouses and dependents of H1B workers) benefit from premium processing if they file their application with the H1B application. USCIS enforces strict standards for accuracy, and mistakes can result in delays, denials, or requests for evidence (RFEs), extending the processing timeline and negating the benefits of premium processing. May 8, 2020 · Difference Between Regular and H-1B Transfer Premium Processing. Jan 18, 2024 · Employers willing to pay an additional amount can get "premium processing" of the I-129 petition. STE 907 Irving, TX 75038-0022. Understanding H1B Premium Furthermore, premium processing does not apply to petitions that does not start with I-129 or I-140. The fees for an H-1B transfer (if you opt out of premium processing) are nearly identical to your original H-1B filing fees. See full list on immi-usa. Refer to your receipt notice to find your form, category, and office. 7(b)(1)(i)(NN), guarantees a 15-calendar-day processing time for the H1B petition upon payment of an additional $2,500 fee. If you have questions about filing an H1B petition or using premium processing, please contact us and we can help you decide whether this service is worth the extra cost. Depending on the processing center and extenuating circumstances, it could take even longer. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval when opting for premium processing, and 4-6 months under regular processing. Dec 4, 2024 · This guide explores everything you need to know about H-1B premium processing, including the current fees, benefits, and potential downsides. Apr 12, 2024 · If the promise is not met, the premium processing fee is refunded, and the case continues with expedited processing. S. However, we Premium Processing. Mar 7, 2024 · Premium Processing for EAD, H4, L2, Others: US Congress passed a Bill to expand premium processing for additional forms and visa types. Eligibility and Application Procedure. Normally, it takes 1-2 months to receive U. Dec 18, 2023 · H1B premium processing expedites the processing time of US visa petitions, providing a decision within 15 days. immigration policies, H1B premium processing is subject to Mar 30, 2024 · The H1B visa process offers Regular and Premium Processing paths, with key differences in processing times and costs. Jun 16, 2020 · 4. Benefits include reduced waiting time, peace of mind, and the ability to plan job start dates and visa status. Apr 2, 2024 · You also have the option of speeding up the process through a $2,500 premium processing fee, which promises action on your case within 15 calendar days. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect today, increasing the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. 28, 2023. For H-1B petitions, the current fee for Premium Processing stands at $2,500 as of the search results date. However, applications for change of status or extension of stay properly filed together with a Form I-539 for derivative H-4 or L-2 status will be adjudicated at the same time as the principal’s Form I-129. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Texas Service Center Attn: I-129 E-3 Premium Processing 6046 N Belt Line Rd. Form I-765: If you are an F-1 student seeking OPT or a STEM OPT extension and you are requesting premium processing for your Form I-765, you may submit your Form I-907 online through myUSCIS or mail a paper form. November 22nd, 2016; 1 Feb 19, 2025 · The processing time for an H1B visa extension depends on several factors, including USCIS workload, the service center handling the petition, and whether premium processing is used. Even so, some of these visas do not permit the use of premium processing. Premium processing is available for petitions filed with U. With this service, USCIS guarantees a response—whether an approval, denial, or RFE—within 15 calendar days. Premium Processing. For more information about case processing times and reading your receipt notice, visit the More Information About Case Processing Times page. employers to hire skilled foreign workers, with premium processing offering expedited service for a fee. The regular processing of an H-1B application can take up to several months, while premium processing guarantees that a decision will be made within 15 calendar days for an additional fee. It was signed by the president into law on October 1st, 2020. On average, it takes 7-10 days for a receipt notice to arrive, and another 3-5 months for the petition to be reviewed by USCIS. The regular H1B visa processing time is from 1 month to 6 months, while premium guarantees that the petition will be processed within 15 days. USCIS published a final rule announcing the change on Dec. If we do not take action on the benefit request within the applicable processing timeframe, your Premium Processing Service fee will be refunded, but we will continue to process the case. The regular H-1B transfer process takes anywhere from one to four months whereas H-1B transfer premium processing takes only 15 calendar days. Even with this advanced planning, it may be necessary for the department to pay the premium processing fee ($2500. Lastly, with the recent changes in the U. Notable examples include the EB-1C and the EB-2 NIW. h1b, premium processing. . (That amount went up to $2,805 on February 26, 2024). When to Start the Process. Despite costs, premium processing remains vital for timely decisions. Also, they said that they will expand premium processing for additional forms and USCIS has not yet taken any action. Per H-1B regulations, the H-1B processing can start at the earliest six months prior to the requested start date. To utilize the premium processing service for your H-1B petition, ensure your Feb 26, 2024 · As previously announced, U. The fee should be paid by a separate check and under no circumstances be combined with the regular processing fee otherwise, your application will be rejected. Fraud prevention efforts improve process integrity. 00) to accommodate appointment starts and/or scholar travel. For most of the common types of applications it is possible to request Premium Processing. xyhvafubypknmqltololowbpchkkxxsmzyqauqqmgvssedaqgcxvbzinxcopbjrwbfxfumillz