USCIS Resumes Premium Processing for All H1B Petitions

On October 3, 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has resumed premium processing for all H1B visa extension of stay petitions. Accordingly, premium processing is again available for all types of H1B petitions [PDF version].

The USCIS had previously suspended H1B premium processing for all H1B petitions on March 3, 2017. The USCIS gradually resumed premium processing for limited types of H1B petitions. H1B extension of stay petitions were the last class of H1B petitions for which premium processing was suspended.

To learn about the H1B premium processing suspension starting on March 3 and the USCIS's resumption of premium processing for certain types of H1B petitions, please see our archived blog post on the subject [see blog]. To learn about premium processing for Form I-129 petitions, including H1B petitions, please see our full article [see article]. Finally, please see our article on the related subject of expedited processing of immigration petitions in limited circumstances [see article].

H1B petitioners and petition beneficiaries should consult with an experienced immigration attorney in the area of employment immigration for guidance throughout the entire H1B petitioning process.