The USCIS has resumed premium processing for H-1B visa petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 from September 18, 2017. However, the USCIS has not yet resumed this service for H-1B extensions. As indicated by the USCIS on September 18, 2017, it will resume premium processing for all remaining H-1B petitions as and how their workload permits.
In the meantime, employers can route the H-1B cap petitions through premium processing by filing request via Form I-907 along with the receipt notice. The USCIS will evaluate expedite requests on a case-by-case basis, and requests are granted at the discretion of the concerned authority.
Most likely, further announcements pertaining to premium processing for H-1B extensions will be made on October 3, 2017.
Manizeh Mistry, Deputy Head – Global Immigration
