Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that premium processing will resume Jan. 28 for all H-1B cap petitions for fiscal year 2019.
Key points:
Background: Premium processing allows petitioners to request faster service for an additional government fee. USCIS must respond within 15 days or refund the fee. The agency announced the suspension of premium processing for H-1B cap petitions just before filing season began, and in August, extended the suspension and expanded its scope to encompass nearly all H-1B petitions. At that time, USCIS had indicated that the suspension would last until Feb. 19, 2019.
BAL Analysis: The resumption of premium processing is good news for employers, especially those concerned that the lengthy processing times would require them to put their H-1B employees on unpaid leave. Employers should assess which employees need their H-1B petitions to be expedited and request premium processing for those cases as soon as possible. USCIS is reminding petitioners who request premium processing that if their petition was subject to a request for evidence (RFE), they must include any responses to the RFE with their premium processing request.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The U.S. Mission to India updated its interview waiver eligibility criteria for Indian foreign nationals renewing visas at U.S. consular…
The Home Office announced the U.K.-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) 2025 ballot will open Feb. 18. Key Points: Indian nationals…
Indian authorities announced all Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards will remain valid until Dec. 31, 2025. Key Points: Indian…
The U.S. State Department released the March Visa Bulletin. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced filings for…