uscis processing times 2021

USCIS Processing Times 2021

There are different USCIS processing times for different tasks. USCIS has thousands of task and most of them have different processing time. But here we will discuss processing time related to H1b, H4, EAD, F1 etc..

According to American Immigration Council’s analysis, the average processing time of all cases have increased by 46% since Fiscal Year 2016. For more info click here. Because of delays in application process under Mr. Trump administration, so many families, employees and employers are facing unnecessary problems across the country.

There are so many questions i have been asked about uscis processing times. These are some questions.

• I have applied h1b visa extension 3 months back. My case is still in initial review. How long will it take?
• My employer have applied h1b extension 3 weeks back, still did not get receipt.
• What is H1B visa transfer processing time ?
• What is H1B visa extension processing time ?
• How can I contact USCIS and upgrade my H1B visa processing to premium processing?
• If i upgrade to premium, will i get quick results?
• Can i upgrade to premium processing?
• Why regular processing takes so long time.

USCIS processing times for h1b application in regular processing ?

Average regular processing time for h1b application is from 3 months to 6 months. In best case scenario, you may get it within two months but chances are very less. In worst case scenario it may take more than a year. One of my friend had applied h1b extension in April 2016 and his case was approved in Jun 2016.

USCIS processing times for h1b application in premium processing ?

H1b premium processing takes 15 calendar days to give a verdict on your case.

USCIS processing time for LCA application ?

It takes seven working days for LCA to get it approved.

Can we upgrade from regular processing to premium processing ?

Yes, you can upgrade your h1b transfer and h1b application case to premium processing.

What happens if H1B gets approved when we upgrade to Premium Processing!

USCIS will return the H1B Premium Processing fee. USCIS will also return the package containing all the documents.

Who will pay the H1B Premium Processing fee of $1410.00?

USCIS can accepts a Check or Money Order from employee i.e you, H1B Employer or Attorney.

What happens when H1B upgrades to Premium Processing? After how long will i get receipt?

Your employer will receive form i 797c receipt notice within 4 days in email. Your H1B Employer will also receive a Physical Copy in the mail.

When should we apply for premium processing?

You should not apply your case in premium processing untill you realy need it. I have explained it here

Can I call the USCIS to know about my pending H1B case?

NO, you can not call by yourself. USCIS will provide information only to either H1B petitioning Employer or the Attorney who filed your case.

USCIS Contact information

You can call the USCIS at (800) 375-5283. You may write to USCIS where your H1B case was sent. If your H1B Receipt Notice starts with “WAC” your H1B is pending with California Service Center. If  your receipt notice starts with “EAC” your H1B petition case is pending with Vermont Service Center. If  your receipt notice starts with “LIN” your H1B petition case is pending with Nebraska Service Center.

To write about a pending H1B Petition USCIS case.

Addresses: 

USCIS California Service Center
24000 Avila Road
2nd Floor, Room 2312
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

USCIS Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

USCIS Nebraska Service Center
850 S St, Lincoln, NE 68508

Is it possible for H1B Employer or Attorney Fax or Email the USCIS to inquire about pending H1B Petition cases?

NO. Email and Fax Service is only available to premium processing cases.

Requirements to upgrade to H1B Premium Processing

• Form I-907 needs to be completed by Employer or Attorney
• You need a check or Money order for $1225.00 payable to Department of Homeland Security
• A copy of the I-797
• A copy of H1B Receipt Notice
• If there was an RFE, a copy of the RFE Response. (Optional)

Can we request USCIS to fax or email a scanned copy of the physical I797 H1B approval Notice?

Yes, you can request. I have done the same in the past.

To know more about premium processing click here.

Will i get visa rejected if my attorney contacts USCIS ?

It does not work like that. There will be no impact on the results of the case.

Does Upgrading to Premium processing attracts RFEs?

It is a myth. As long as you have all the required H1B documents, you should not receive an RFE with regular or premium processing.

For more info on USCIS processing time click here.