On October 3, 2017, USCIS announced that premium processing was once again available to all Petitioners seeking H-1B visas. H-1B visas allow skilled workers in certain specialty occupations to temporarily work and reside in the United States. When a request for premium processing is made and the requisite fee is paid, USCIS has 15 calendar days during which to make a decision on the application. If USCIS is unable to meet the 15 day deadline, then USCIS will refund the Petitioner’s premium processing service fee and continue processing the application.
USCIS had previously resumed premium processing for FY 2018 Cap petitions, H-1B petitions filed on behalf of certain physicians, as well as certain H-1B petitions which are cap-exempt. As of October 3, 2017, premium processing has been resumed for all extension of stay and transfer petitions as well.