H-1B Premium Processing

Regularly processed on H-1B petitions are currently being adjudicated in approximately 12 months.  Regular processing has slowed dramatically in the past few years and as a result most cases will need to be premium processed.

With premium processing, USCIS guarantees an response (approval, denial or a Request for Evidence) within 15 days of receiving the petition.

All new Vanderbilt University H-1Bs (with the exception of those taking advantage of portability) will be premium processed unless otherwise advised by Vanderbilt's contracted immigration firm.

Please note that if the foreign national is already on an H-1B with another company or institute, his/her visa will be subject to the portability rule which means we will only need a receipt notice from USCIS in order for him/her to start. All other new H-1Bs will need an approval notice for the new employee to start.

Amendments are always regular processed. Amendments are necessary in cases where there is a significant increase in salary, a change in job title/duties, or a change of location.

Extensions are regular processed if the foreign national doesn’t plan on traveling and his/her driver's license is valid. The extension receipt notice from USCIS grants the employee 240 days of work authorization from the date of expiration of the current H-1B, but he/she will not be able to travel until VU receives the approval notice. If travel is involved and if the employee needs to renew his/her driver license, premium processing will be suggested. The department or the foreign national can pay the $2500 premium processing fee .