Table of Contents
What is H1B Premium Processing?
Who is eligible for the H1B Premium Processing?
What is the fee for filing H-1B Premium Processing?
How to request for Premium Processing?
The Bottom line
About Imagility
Are you looking for ways to speed up the process of getting an H1B visa? If so, H1B premium processing may be the right solution for you. USCIS H1B premium processing allows foreign nationals to expedite their visa application and obtain a decision within 15 calendar days. This can comparatively reduce the time it takes to obtain an H1B visa and get you working in the United States sooner.
In this blog post, we will discuss H1B premium processing eligibility criteria, the fee for filing premium processing, and how to request H1B premium processing.
So, keep reading to learn how to speed up your H1B visa with premium processing.
What is H1B Premium Processing?
H1B premium processing is an optional service provided by the USCIS that expedites the processing time of your H1B visa application. With premium processing, USCIS guarantees that it will process your application within 15 calendar days from the date it receives your H1B premium request.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that temporarily allows foreign workers to work in the United States in specialty occupations. Due to the high demand for H-1B visas, the USCIS often receives a significant volume of applications, leading to longer processing times. This is where Premium Processing comes in. By opting for Premium Processing, applicants can speed up the process and receive a response from the USCIS within 15 days.
Who is eligible for the H1B Premium Processing?
H-1B Premium Processing is available to all applicants who have submitted a petition for a new H-1B visa or an extension of their current visa. Applicants changing employers and transferring their H-1B status to a new employer can also apply for premium processing.
You must have a qualifying job offer from a U.S. employer and meet the H-1B visa category qualifications. This typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a specialized field.
If you have any previous immigration violations or criminal convictions, you may not be eligible for premium processing. It’s always fruitful to consult with an immigration expert if you have any concerns about your eligibility.
What is the fee for filing H-1B Premium Processing?
To expedite your H-1B visa application with premium processing, you must pay an additional filing fee of $2500 (as of April 2023). This fee is in addition to the H-1B visa petition fee and must be paid while filing Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.
Additionally, if USCIS cannot adjudicate your application within 15 days, they will refund the fee and continue with expedited processing. It’s also important to discuss the fee with your employer and determine if they will bear the cost or if it will be your responsibility.
How to request for Premium Processing?
To request for H1B premium processing, you must submit Form I-907 along with your H1B visa application. If you’ve already filed your H1B visa application and want to upgrade to premium processing, you can still submit Form I-907 if your application is still pending with USCIS. You can submit both forms together or separately, but you must pay the additional fee for premium processing separately.
Here’s how to request premium processing:
Step 1: Fill out the appropriate form(s)
To request premium processing, you must complete Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, and attach it to your H-1B visa application.
Step 2: Pay the fee
The fee for premium processing is $2,500. This fee must be paid separately, apart from the H-1B filing fee.
Step 3: Submit the forms and fee
Mail the completed and signed Form I-907, along with the appropriate fee and supporting documents, to the appropriate USCIS Service Center.
Step 4: Track your application status
Once your application is accepted, you can track the status of your H-1B visa application and the premium processing request on the USCIS website. If there are any issues or delays, USCIS will notify you.
It’s important to note that H1B premium processing does not guarantee that your H1B petition will be approved, but only that it will be processed within 15 calendar days. USCIS may still request additional information or seek a request for evidence (RFE) from you, which can delay the processing of your application.
The Bottom line
H1B premium processing is an excellent option for applicants who want to expedite the H1B visa application process. It guarantees that your application will be processed within 15 calendar days, allowing you to start your job in the US by a specific date. It’s essential to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for Premium Processing and have all the necessary documentation ready before you file.
However, it does not guarantee approval and only applies to certain non-immigrant visa categories. If you’re considering H1B premium processing, it’s recommended you consult with an immigration expert. With the right preparation and approach, H-1B premium processing can be a valuable option in your immigration journey.
About Imagility
Imagility is an end-to-end immigration software that handles all immigration-related needs of beneficiaries, petitioners, and attorneys. All three stakeholders can collaborate easily for H1B petition building and all end-to-end immigration needs. Imagility provides a better, more efficient way for individuals to work with employers to prepare, track, manage, and navigate their H-1B visa processing with improved success rates.
Reach out to us for a demo today at sales@imagility.co
Call us at +1 603 782 4622/+1 617 865 6588.
For more info, visit us at www.imagility.co
