how many days taken attorney to prepare documentation for h1b

by Prof. Annette Borer V 10 min read

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). (See 8 C.F.R. § 106.4.)

Get experienced immigration counsel because H-1Bs require examination of the company, the prospective employee and that the position requires someone with a specialty degree held by the foreign national. A minimum of 3 weeks is required to prepare an H-1B for a company that has not been FEIN verified before.

Full Answer

How long does it take to get H1B approved by USCIS?

May 15, 2012 · 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). (See 8 C.F.R. § 106.4 .) Because of the annual limit on the number of H-1B petitions that can be approved, an employer often must petition six months in advance of the date the employee …

What is the processing time for H1B extension petition?

Feb 11, 2022 · 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. If they do not meet the 15 days timeline, they will refund the premium processing fee and continue to process the H1B in expedited processing.

How do I get a receipt notice for my H-1B visa?

Based on my experience, it takes USCIS about three business days to process any petition/application, including all varieties of H-1B's. The receipt notice will always be dated for the day it was dropped off at the service center, but it takes a little time for them to perform a preliminary review and assign a case/receipt number.

Why is my H1B application taking so long?

Mar 20, 2014 · Message. Posted on Mar 20, 2014. Typically, it only takes 2-3 weeks to prepare and submit an H1B Visa Application. However, since we are so close to the April 1st filing date, it is probably too late to meet the filing deadline THIS year since there are a limited number of H1B Visas available.

How long does it take to prepare H-1B documents?

Typically, it only takes 2-3 weeks to prepare and submit an H1B Visa Application.

How long does it take to prepare LCA for H-1B?

5 to 10 daysCurrent Department of Labor (DOL) processing time for the Labor Condition Application (LCA), a requirement for all H-1B petitions. Typically, the DOL will approve the LCA within 5 to 10 days.

How long does it take to get the H-1B approval documents from USCIS?

H1B regular application processing time is 3 months to 1 year for approvals. 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.

What is the attorney fee for H-1B filing?

Attorney FeesCase TypeUSCIS FeesInitial Attorney FeeH1B (new)$460 + $1,500* + $500 (if applicable)Contact UsComplex H1B$460 + $1,500* + $500 (if applicable)Contact UsH1B (transfer, extension, amendment)$460 + $1,500* + $500 (if applicable)$1,400H-4 dependent (with H1B)$370$400

How soon can LCA be filed?

LCAs must not be submitted more than 6 months before the beginning date of the period of employment. The two exceptions to electronic filing are employers with physical disabilities or those who lack Internet access and cannot electronically file the Form ETA-9035E.

How long is LCA valid for?

three yearsThe labor condition application (LCA) is valid for the period of employment up to a maximum of three years.

How long does it take for USCIS to send approval notice 2021?

How long is it taking USCIS to process and send out Receipt Notices and Approval Notices? Historically, USCIS issues Receipt Notices and Approval Notices within 2 to 3 weeks.Aug 18, 2020

Can you work while waiting for H1B approval?

You cannot work but you can remain in the U.S. through the extension date. A petition asking for consular processing is not eligible for a cap gap extension.

How do I know if my H1B is approved?

To check the status of your case, visit the USCIS website and enter your receipt number. Because your H-1B petition was approved, you should receive a message that states your case approval, including your receipt number and the date your Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) was approved.Jun 25, 2020

Can H-1B be filed without attorney?

A frequent question that comes up for foreign nationals that want to apply for an H1B visa position in the US is whether an immigration attorney is necessary. The short answer is no, since technically your sponsor will be taking care of the petition and application process.Jan 8, 2018

Can I transfer H-1B immediately after approval?

Q: Can I transfer my H1b before October 1 to a different employer? I already have the H1b approved. A: Yes, it is possible to file for an H1b transfer before October without pay stubs from the first employer. All you need is a confirmation of your H1b approval.

Who pays for premium processing H-1B?

H-1B Fees 2022 TableFeeAmountResponsible for FeePremium Processing (optional$2,500Employer or EmployeePublic Law 114-113 Fee$4000EmployerBasic Filing Fee$460EmployerUSCIS Anti-Fraud Fee$500Employer3 more rows•Feb 11, 2022

How long does H-1B processing take?

Processing for this can take up to 3 or 4 months. 4. Completing the application: Once the petition is approved, the applicant must visit their home country's US embassy or consulate to complete the process. This usually takes 2-3 days, depending on the location.Jun 29, 2020

Do I need lawyer for H-1B Transfer?

A frequent question that comes up for foreign nationals that want to apply for an H1B visa position in the US is whether an immigration attorney is necessary. The short answer is no, since technically your sponsor will be taking care of the petition and application process.Jan 8, 2018

How many days it will take to get H1B approval notice after approval?

USCIS takes 15 days to adjudicate plus mailing time for Approval Notice; a total of approximately 5 weeks.

How long does I 130 take to process?

After filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, the approval process can take anywhere from 5 to 12 months for immediate relatives and could take several years for family preference categories.

How long does LCA approval Take 2021?

5 to 10 daysTypically, the DOL will approve the LCA within 5 to 10 days.

How much do attorneys charge for H1B?

Attorney FeesCase TypeUSCIS FeesInitial Attorney FeeH1B (new)$460 + $1,500* + $500 (if applicable)Contact UsComplex H1B$460 + $1,500* + $500 (if applicable)Contact UsH1B (transfer, extension, amendment)$460 + $1,500* + $500 (if applicable)$1,400H-4 dependent (with H1B)$370$400

Can I reject the offer after H1B Transfer?

Please note that while its perfectly legal to refuse an offer after H-1B transfer, such practice is generally not advisable. This leaves a bad taste on the employer and they may not consider your application at all in future.

Getting Your Application Receipt Number

in a case without premium processing, after your employer has petitioned for your H-1B visa, USCIS will, after approximately one to two weeks, send...

Checking The Average Processing Time of Cases in Your Category

Once you have checked your current case status, you can also review the current processing times through theUSCIS Processing Times Information webs...

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

The information you get from the USCIS processing times website is USCIS’s best guess based on its most recent data. It’s not exact, and you can’t...

Will I Be Affected by Annual Limits on First-Time H-1B Visas?

As mentioned above, you may be applying under the H-1B cap—that is, an annual limit of 65,000 on the number of H-1B petitions approved. USCIS allow...

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).

How to contact USCIS about a case?

But if your case is outside of the estimated processing time, the employer can call USCIS at 800-375-5283 or use the link on the processing times page to place a service request.

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.

How to apply for H1B premium?

Here are few things you can do: 1 If you are really curious, you may apply for H1B visa premium processing anytime for general petitions by paying $2,500 and upgrade your case. Your employer has to do the premium processing through the attorney. You cannot do it on your own. 2 You can ask your attorney to call USCIS and ask the status. In the past, one of our blog readers said, they had success and their application decision was done in a week after calling. Although, there is no guarantee. Worth a shot. 3 You can check the particular service center where your petition was filed and get approximate processing times to get an idea. You can do this on USCIS website it is under bottom where you check your case status. 4 Just wait. I understand the anxiety…but there is no shortcut.

What are the two types of processing?

There are two types of processing – 1. regular processing and 2. premium processing. An employer can choose to file in one of these processing types when they file any of the following with USCIS. New H1B cap subject petitions. H1B transfer petitions. H1B amendments.

How long does it take for H1B to be processed?

If an employer or sponsor pays extra premium processing fee to USCIS in order to have the H1B petition adjudicated (decision) within 15 calendar days, then that petition is said to be filed in H1B premium processing.

How long does it take for USCIS to process an application?

Well, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do but wait for USCIS to process your application. As I said above, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months or more. All you can do is wait. Do NOT panic that you are not getting any response from USCIS. As long as your application was filed properly and the company is good, you should get approval.

Is H1B petition considered regular processing?

If an employer or sponsor files a H1B petition with USCIS using standard process and does not include extra fee for faster processing, then the petition is said to be filed in Regular Processing.

Is H1B processing faster?

In general, the H1B extension processing can be slightly faster for regular processing , if there are not many changes in the employment terms and role of the H1B employee. This is due to the fact that USCIS can give some weightage or deference to the previous first H1B approval and use that for extension.

Dhenu Maru

This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not meant to be relied upon as legal advice.

Mary Kathleen Neal

It really depends on the position and the employer. If the requirements for Labor Certification are met, and it is just a question of filing the LCA, it may be possible to get everything done if the employer acts now.

Cristina Zambrano

Typically, it only takes 2-3 weeks to prepare and submit an H1B Visa Application. However, since we are so close to the April 1st filing date, it is probably too late to meet the filing deadline THIS year since there are a limited number of H1B Visas available.

Daniel Patrick Hanlon

Your company would essentially have to start today to get an H-1B petition properly filed before April 1 2014.

Carl Michael Shusterman

Mr. Shusterman's (former INS Trial Attorney, 1976-82) response to your question is general in nature, as not all the facts are known to him. You should retain an attorney experienced in immigration law to review all the facts in your case in order to receive advice specific to your case. Mr.

Alexander M. Ivakhnenko

You cannot apply for that, as your sponsoring company may initiate that petition on merits, provided you qualify.

Carl Michael Shusterman

There is a posting requirement and a Labor Condition Application must be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor prior to the submission of the H-1B petition. It is better to start the process in February or early March.

Ekaterina L Powell

We recommend all prospective clients to start preparation of H-1B case as early as possible, ideally in February. As other attorneys have explained, it may take some time to prepare the case as your degree may need to be evaluated, your employer may need to prove EIN number, etc.

Giacomo Jacques Behar

Largely depends on the type of position, complexity of case, the employer's company; and etc.

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

Premium processing is simply a way to expedite the process. The USCIS specifically ensures 15 calendar days for processing those petitions, or the USCIS will issue a refund of the service fee.

When does the lottery close in 2021?

At 12 p.m. EST on March 25, 2021, registration closes. USCIS conducts the lottery, starting with the regular cap and ending with the master’s cap. On or by March 31, 2021, USCIS notifies lottery winners. If your petition is selected, the earliest that you can file your petition is April 1st, 2021.

Can I file an I-129 with incorrect start date?

Sometimes, during the filing process, applicants will choose the incorrect start date on the I-129. Check with your attorney to ensure that all dates, wages, and important details are accurate to avoid having your petition denied.

When can I file an I-129?

Selected: Your registration has been chosen in the lottery, and the sponsor can file an I-129 petition after April 1, 2021. It’s possible that USCIS may allocate different filing deadlines to selected registrants to ensure smooth processing of all cap-subject cases.

Can a petition be delivered by hand?

Delivering your petition by hand or through some other unconventional method can result in not having your petition processed.

Do I need an I-129 petition?

There are a few cases in which you would need to have a new I-129 petition filed on your behalf. These include changing employers and extending your H-1B status, among other things. However, if you remain with the same employer but some aspect of your position is changing considerably, you may need to have your employer submit an H-1B amendment so that your petition on file can reflect the most accurate information.