Premium Processing Service For H-1B Petitions: Update

On March 12, 2019, USCIS reinstated premium processing service for H-1B petitions. On March 13, USCIS clarified that the announcement was not specific to FY 2020 H-1B cap petitions, and that the government will address these filings in a separate announcement.

Last year, USCIS suspended premium processing service for FY 2019 H-1B cap petition in March 2018. It expanded the suspension to most other H-1B petitions in September 2018. Since January 2019, USCIS has re-introduced the benefit incrementally. H-1B petitioners may now request premium processing service for all pending and newly filed H-1B petitions by filing Form I-907 and paying a fee of $1410. USCIS will then adjudicate the petition within 15 days.

As noted, a separate announcement is expected for FY 2020 H-1B cap petitions that can be filed as of April 1, 2019. As a practical matter, employers intending to file H-1B cap petitions April 1 should explore filing strategies with Gibney.

If you have any questions about this alert, please contact your Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.

The general information provided herein is not intended to serve as a source of legal advice for any purpose. Please contact your designated Gibney representative or immigration counsel for specific legal advice.