U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) has announced that the agency will allow premium processing for certain FY-2020 H-1B petitions filed under the annual quota beginning April 1st. The CIS has announced there will be restrictions and phased rollout of premium processing for cap cases beginning with petitions that request a change of status in the United States.

FY-2020 H-1B petitions that request a change of status in the U.S., such as from F-1 to H-1B, may be filed with a request for premium processing when the petition is filed in the first week of April. Though these requests may be concurrently filed, the CIS has indicated that they will not begin premium processing of these petitions right away. Rather, premium processing is slated to begin “no later than May 20, 2019.” If a request for premium processing is not filed concurrently with a petition that seeks a change of status, it will be possible to request an “upgrade” to premium processing after the CIS formally announces the beginning of premium processing on or before May 20, 2019.

The CIS has indicated that the agency will not accept concurrently filed requests for premium processing for FY-2020 H-1B petitions that request notification of a U.S. consulate or port of entry. The CIS expects to roll out premium processing for these petitions likely no earlier than the month of June. Petitioners must wait until the CIS announces this second phase of premium processing before filing their request for the expedited service.

To request premium processing for an eligible H-1B petition, contact your Foster attorney. The CIS filing fee for premium processing is $1,410, and with it the CIS guarantees action on the petition within 15 days of the start of the premium processing period for eligible FY-2020 H-1B cap petitions.

Foster will continue to monitor changes in CIS procedures and will provide updates as appropriate via Foster Immigration Updates© and on the firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.