Client Alerts

Starting April 3, 2017, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions. This suspension may last up to 6 months. Because Fiscal Year 2018 cap-subject H-1B petitions cannot be filed before April 3, 2017, this suspension will apply to all petitions filed under H-1B regular cap and master’s cap for this year. The suspension also applies to cap exempt petitions, extensions, and amendments. Under premium processing employers have been able to have a decision made on their H-1B Petitions in 15 calendar days for an additional fee of $1225. Regular processing of H-1B petitions can take several months. The unavailability of premium processing may result in significant issues for employees including the ability to travel and obtain new visas. Some States such as Michigan also limit the expiration of the driver’s license to the expiration of the immigration status. The unavailability of premium processing will affect an H-1B worker’s ability to seek renewal of his or her driver’s license.