how long does h1b visa take to process

Full Answer

How long does H1B visa regular processing take?

The regular H1B visa processing time is from 1 month to 6 months. This also depends on the service center. The California and Nebraska Service Centers process H1B visas for an average of 2.5 to 4.5 months. On the other hand, the Vermont Service Center has a much higher processing time for H1B visas.

How much time it takes for H1B regular processing?

H1B regular application processing time is 3 months to 1 year for approvals. It keeps changing based on current affairs and circumstances. During COVID-19 closures, USCIS did approve many regular H1B applications within 2 weeks.

Can I travel abroad while my H1B processing is?

Whether or not you may travel internationally while your H-1B petition is pending depends on a variety of factors: You must not travel outside of the U.S. while the petition is pending. Leaving the country while USCIS is reviewing your petition will cause USCIS to consider your petition for a change of status to be abandoned.

What is the procedure to get H1B visa?

In addition to the employers, employees or H1B applicants also have to complete these steps:

• Fill in Form DS-160. The DS-160 is the most important part of the application. ...
• Schedule an interview. Try to schedule the interview as early as possible. ...
• Pay the H1B visa fees. The application fee is $190.
• Submit required documents for H1B Visa.
• Attend the H1B interview. ...

How long does H-1B approval take?

3 months to 1 yearHow long does H1B regular processing take? H1B regular application processing time is 3 months to 1 year for approvals. It keeps changing based on current affairs and circumstances. During COVID-19 closures, USCIS did approve many regular H1B applications within 2 weeks.

Is H1B visa hard to get?

How Difficult Is It To Get an H1B Visa? H1B visa requirements can be difficult to meet because you must first be hired by a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you. Competition for jobs in the United States is fierce, and demand for visas to enter the US grows daily.

How long does H-1B premium processing take?

15 calendar daysHow long does USCIS take for H1B Premium processing ? USCIS takes 15 calendar days or less to adjudicate a H1B petition filed in premium processing. They have 15 days SLA (service level agreement) and guarantee that any H1B petition filed in premium processing will be adjudicated in 15 calendar days or less.

How much is US H1B visa fee?

H1B visa costs for employersH1B feeAmount (US $)Who pays?Registration Fee$10EmployerBasic visa filing fee (I-129 form)$460EmployerPublic Law 114-113 Fee$4000EmployerPremium Processing (optional)$2,500Employer or employee3 more rows

How long is H1B visa valid?

Typically, the initial duration of an H-1B visa classification is three years, which may be extended for a maximum of six years. Before an employer can file a petition with USCIS, the employer must take steps to ensure that hiring the foreign worker will not harm U.S. workers.

Does H1B visa get rejected?

What Is the Rejection Rate of H-1B? Reports from recent studies show a steady rise in the rate of H1B petition denials. From past studies, the denial rate of the H1B petitions has never been more than 6%, but it increased by double to a 12-percent rate in 2018 and 18% in 2019.

How do I know if my H1B is approved?

To check your H1B status, it's essential to access the USCIS website and look there. You should get a receipt number or case from USCIS while waiting for the lottery results, and you need to use these in the H1B Visa Status Tracking System. Keep in mind that a 13-digit receipt number will be required from you.

What is the probability of getting H1B visa 2022?

The split between the two rounds in 2020 (FY 2021) was 85% (lottery 1) and 15% (lottery 2), while it was 75% and 25% respectively in 2021 (FY 2022).

Is it easy get a job in US with H1B visa?

US H1B Visa Details: The H1B Visa is one of the most competitive visas to apply for. Due to there being an annual visa cap, there is a huge demand from US employers applying for this visa. Additionally, since it is a route to a Green Card, it is one of the best visas to apply to work in the US.

What is the probability of getting H1B visa 2022?

The split between the two rounds in 2020 (FY 2021) was 85% (lottery 1) and 15% (lottery 2), while it was 75% and 25% respectively in 2021 (FY 2022).

Who qualifies for an H1B visa?

In order to be eligible for the H1B visa, you will need: A job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires specialty knowledge. Proof of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in that field. Your employer must show that there is a lack of qualified U.S. applicants for the role.

How many people apply for the H-1B lottery?

Total H1B Visa Cap Applications Filed by Year – FY 2004 to 2023H1B Fiscal YearCap Reached DateH1B Applications Received by USCIS2017April 7, 2016236,000 (H1B Lottery)2018April 7, 2017199,000 (H1B Lottery)2019April 6, 2018190,098 (H1B Lottery)2020April 5, 2019201,011 (H1B Lottery)16 more rows•May 16, 2022

How long does it take for USCIS to process a case?

The case processing website provides an "Estimated time range." For example, it might say "4.5 to 6.5 months, " which means USCIS will review most petitions within that time. There also is a "Receipt date for a case inquiry," which is explained below, for when your petition is beyond the processing time range.

How long does it take to get a decision from USCIS?

This guarantees a decision within 15 days of filing, or within 15 days of a response to a Request for Evidence, if USCIS issues one. It has been calculated as 15 calendar days for many years, though USCIS is attempting to change it to 15 business days (still caught up in litigation as of early 2021).

What If My Case Is Taking Longer Than USCIS's Estimated Processing Time?

The information you get from the processing times website is USCIS's best guess based on its most recent data. It's not exact, and you can't rely on it to be 100% accurate.

How long does it take for USCIS to respond to a request for evidence?

But even so, USCIS should make a decision within 15 days after receiving your employer's response to the request.

Where is the receipt number on a USCIS case?

In the top left-hand corner of the receipt notice is the case receipt number, which confirms the processing of your case as well as allowing you to track the case through USCIS Case Status Online. For example, your receipt number might read something like this: EAC-20-096-36548. We will explain how to read the number below.

When will USCIS start in 2021?

Employers whose petitions USCIS selected then be given a filing window in which to prepare and submit their petitions to USCIS. (In 2021, starting on April 1 and lasting 90 days.)

How long does it take to get approved for I-129?

Some applicants have been known to receive approval in as few as 30 days , others wait much longer. Employers willing to pay an additional amount (which was $1,440 until October 19, 2020, then went up to $2,500) can get "premium processing" of the I-129 petition.

How long does it take to get a H1B number?

H1B case receipt number is sent within 3 to 21 days by USPS mail for regular applications. H1B receipt number for premium processing applications is sent by email to your attorney or employer within 1-3 days. Paper mail is also sent by USPS mail but can take about 7-21 days to arrive.

How long does it take to get approval for H1B?

H1B premium processing is getting approval within 1 to 15 days of filing. Applying H1B in premium does not increase your chances of H1B RFE or denial.

Why is my H1B RFE denied?

Make sure that your employer files the proofs to support your employment as H1b Specialty occupation is the number one reason for H1B RFE and then denial.

How often is H1B approval updated?

The best-case H1B approval data is updated daily using the official USCIS processing times and data shared by real H1B applicants in various forums and trackers online.

How long does it take for USCIS to refund premiums?

USCIS will refund the premium fees if they cannot process it in 15 calendar days including weekends.

How long do you have to find another H1B sponsor?

If you lose your H1B job or have left it by choice, you have 60 days grace to find another H1B sponsor.

Does H1B increase chances of denial?

Applying H1B in premium does not increase your chances of H1B RFE or denial. The possibility of H1B approval is the same in regular vs premium application. If your employer is scaring you by saying that upgrading pending H1B to premium will result in denial or RFE, they are just trying to save money.

How long does it take to get an extension for an H1B visa?

The extension request can be made up to six months before the H1B visa comes to an end and it is recommended to make the extension request as soon as possible. Processing time varies but can take up to four months. Premium processing may be available, depending on your circumstances, and reduce the processing time down to around two weeks.

How long does an H1B visa last?

The H1B visa allows US employers to recruit foreign graduate level workers for specialist roles. This is a non-immigrant, temporary worker visa which can lead to US permanent residency , provided the individual satisfies the eligibility criteria.

Why is it important to consider time considerations when applying for H1B visa?

Due to the competitiveness and uncertainty of the H1B visa route, it is imperative that all related time considerations are taken into account when deciding to proceed with an application, and planning for extensions for longer term employment contracts.

What is LCA in H1B?

The Labor Condition Application (LCA) is a statement filed by the employer with the Department of Labor which assures working conditions for the H1B applicant and confirms that the salary for the H1B role is equivalent to that of similarly employed workers or where more, that it is the prevailing wage in the local area.

How many visas are available under the H1B cap?

The H1B scheme is consistently over-subscribed, with only 65,000 visas available under the regular cap and 20,000 under the master’s cap.

When does the H1B visa window open?

H1B petition. The filing window for the full H1B petition will open from April 1. Applicants have 90 days from the date they are notified of their selection to make their full submission. As the H1B visa cap window opens in April, the corresponding employment should begin by the beginning of October.

When to file LCA for H1B?

It is therefore recommended that the employer files their LCA no later than early March, although your employer may wish to file the LCA earlier than this to ensure that everything is in place when the H1B visa window opens at the beginning of April.

First, how do you identify your processing center?

The case number you get after filing a report looks a little bit something like this: SRC-16–022–57890. So what do these numbers and letters mean? We dissect each part of the number down.

Select Service Center

The next step is to select your processing center and then to click on Service Center Processing Dates.

Processing time

Once you have clicked on service center processing dates, it will open up the processing times for the specific center, as you can see here:

Average Processing Times

Here under this link: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/ptAllFormsAverage.do, you can check the average processing times for all USCIS offices. This might be more helpful than the other chart.

Conclusion

We wish you the best of luck for your H1B visa journey and we hope you get your H1B visa answer soon. If you have any further questions about the processing time or this online tool, please do not hesitate to contact us. Also please share your experiences below! We are all here to help each other out and learn from each other.

When does the H1B visa open?

The applications open every year in spring. USCIS approves around 65,000 petitions per year starting from October 1 st to September 30 th of the following year. 6,800 petitions are reserved for H1B1 visas for Chile and Singapore nationals, while the rest for H1B visas. The applications of the first 20 thousand applicants with a master’s degree are exempt from this visa cap.

How Long Can I Stay in the US with an H1B Visa?

The H1B visa is initially valid for 3 years but can extend for another 3 years. In total, a person can stay and work in the US for 6 years at most. However, that does not mean that the person must return to their home country. What makes the H1B visa popular is that it is a dual intent visa.

How to Extend the H1B Visa?

The H1B extension procedures are similar to the initial application process. You will need to pay the same fees, except for the Fraud Prevention and Protection Fee. Your employer will also have to follow the same procedures for getting certification from DOL and an approved petition from USCIS. In addition, you will submit these documents:

What is H1B Visa Stamping?

In case you are granted an H1B visa, you need to go on and apply for the H1B visa stamping. This a process on its own, and you should check out the H1B visa stamping article for more details.

How to See My H1B Status Updates?

When your employer submits the H1B visa petition, you will receive a 13-digit receipt number which you can use to check on your H1B status on the USCIS website . The receipt number starts with an “ EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, MSC or IOE” and is followed by 10 numbers. Your status could state one of the following:

How Long Do I Have to Wait for Processing?

The H1B visa processing time depends from country to country. US Embassies in different countries/cities have various processing times, so it is best to contact them for any details.

What is an H1B amendment?

The H1B Amendment requires US employers to file an amended petition in case the employee has any material changes. Material changes are defined as anything that impacts the employee’s eligibility for an H1B visa. The USCIS does not give a list of what qualifies as such a change, but examples include:

What is the I-129 form?

Once the LCA process has been completed, the employer can proceed to submit the H-1B petition by filing the I-129. Form I-129 is officially known as the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. The employer must be sure to include the employment letter with the position’s exact duties, dates of employment, detailed description, salary offered, position requirements, contact information, etc.

Can I change my status on my I-129?

Change of Status: Once the I-129 is approved, the USCIS will update your I-94 record to indicate your new visa class to H-1B status. With this, you can take up your new job position as an H-1B visa holder. This is only available to those that are already under a valid nonimmigrant status such as O-1, J-1, or L-1 status.

When Does My H-1B Status Expire?

You can determine the date when your H-1B status expires by looking at the date listed on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. You should have received an I-94 card from the port of entry officer who performed the inspection upon entrance to the U.S. (before April 2013).

Where is the expiration date on H-1B?

If you entered the U.S. and then changed your status to H-1B, the expiration date should be at the bottom of the USCIS approval document. Individuals can consult the Customs and Border Protection database for an electronic copy of their I-94.

How to file an I-140 for an alien worker?

Once the PERM has been approved, your employer must then file an I-140 Immigration Petition for Alien Worker. In the Form I-140, your employer must prove they are in good financial shape, as that is needed to demonstrate their ability to pay the salary for the job position. The form must be submitted with the approved PERM labor certification, and a filing fee. If your petition is approved, then the USCIS will send you an Approval Notice. This indicates that you can move to the next stage of your green card application process. Keep in mind that an approved I-140 doesn’t mean your status has been adjusted from nonimmigrant to immigrant. You will need to wait until the end of the 5th step, which is I-485 petition approval

What is the purpose of submitting an I-485?

By submitting an I-485 you’re essentially asking USCIS to adjust your status from H-1B to green card (lawful permanent resident) status.

How long does it take to get a DOL?

On average, the DOL process takes about 6 months, and the USCIS process also takes several months.

How long does it take to get a Perm certification?

The PERM Labor Certification can take anywhere from six months without an audit to over eighteen months with an audit.

Which employer had the largest number of employment-based PERM applications for a green card?

For example, a look into the DOL statistics for FY 2019 shows that the H-1B employers had the largest number of the employment-based PERM application for a green card. Out of the 81,450 applications for the first three quarters of the year, 48,782, which was 68.6 of the total figure came from the H-1B category. The closest category was L-1 with a distant 7.3%.

What is an H1B visa?

The H1B visa requires that the employer is authorized to employ foreign nationals through the H1B route. This authorisation takes the form of a Labour Condition Application, submitted to and granted by the US Department of Labour.

What is priority date for USCIS?

Your priority date is the date that USCIS receive the I-140 form. You must wait until your priority date before you can take the next step, which is to apply for Adjustment of Status.

What is an EB2?

Multi-national executive or manager who meets certain criteria. Second preference immigrant worker (EB2) – one or more of the following must apply: Member of a profession that requires an advanced degree. Exceptional ability in the sciences, the arts or business. Seeking a national interest waiver.

Can an H1B visa be used for permanent residency?

For an H1B visa holder who meets all the eligibility criteria to apply for US permanent residency, the process includes a number of steps to be taken by both you and your sponsoring employer.

Is H1B visa easy to get?

The H1B visa route to US permanent residency is not always straightforward. It is crucial to ensure you work to the correct timescales and ensure eligibility and that your application documentation is comprehensive and compliant

How long does it take to get an H1B visa?

But keep in mind that it must be the employer who files the application on the employee's behalf. The premium processing method is quicker taking around 15 days, but costs more. The regular processing method can take up to six months.

How long can an H1B visa be valid?

Under the H1B visa, you can also apply for permanent citizenship under the Dual Intent Doctrine. H1B visa holders can remain in the U.S. for up to 3 years, with extensions generally being granted after that period of time is over.

What is the H1B cap?

The H1B cap is an annual number of visas the U.S. government will issue. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 plus an additional 20,000 ADE quota. Notably, the cap does not apply to H1B transfers or cap- exempt positions. Some of the positions exempt from the H1B cap include those employed at a nonprofit research company, university, or government entity.

What is H1B sponsorship?

H1B sponsorship is an important method whereby companies bring foreign-born professionals to the United States to work temporarily. The employer is responsible for filing the H1B visa petition with the U.S. Immigration Department. Thereafter, if the individual is approved, the employer is responsible for providing the employee with all ...

What are the benefits of H1B visa?

There are many benefits of having an H1B Visa as well as being an employer who sponsors H1B visas, including the following: 1 For those employers who are unable to find qualified professionals in the U.S. in their respective area, those companies can find and sponsor non-citizens to work for them. 2 Hiring H1B employees can increase your global footprint by hiring people abroad who have additional knowledge in a specific field or the ability to speak other languages. 3 H1B visa holders can work for more than one employer; they just have to obtain H1B visas for each employer, which isn’t generally that hard to do as long as the employer is willing to sponsor the employee. 4 H1B visa holders can bring spouses and dependent children to the United States under the H4 visa. Such H4 holders can also obtain employment in the United States after certain documentation is filed. In addition, H4 holders will remain in the U.S. for as long as the H1B visa holder remains in the country. 5 Under the H1B visa, you can also apply for permanent citizenship under the Dual Intent Doctrine. 6 H1B visa holders can remain in the U.S. for up to 3 years, with extensions generally being granted after that period of time is over.

Do H1B visa holders have to live in their home country?

H1B visa holders usually must maintain a residence in their home country.

How long can a petition be granted?

A petition won’t be granted for more than three years.