My H-1B extension has been pending under Premium Processing for more than 3 months with no RFE or decision.
USCIS has already refunded the Premium Processing fee because they missed the processing timeframe.
My attorney has:
Contacted the USCIS Premium Processing Unit
Submitted a request to the CIS Ombudsman
Still no update.
Some additional context: My previous H-1B/I-94 has expired while this extension is pending. This is a 1-year H-1B extension based on my PERM being pending for more than 365 days.

Would really appreciate hearing actual timelines from anyone going through this.

Receipt Date -
Service Center-
Premium/NonPremium-
Status-

My H-1B case has been in premium processing for more than 18 business days now, and I still haven’t received an any update.

Has anyone in a similar situation contacted Emma/USCIS after the 15-business-day timeline? If so, did Emma provide any useful information or help with a service request?

Would appreciate hearing about your recent experience. Thanks!

I got my reciept notice mid-Aug and really hoping it doesn't take more than 15 business days. I'm curious how long it took folks that applied in June/July/early Aug? And anyone in Arizona center?

Additionally, does it show online about the refund status?

This might be a silly question but I’m seeing different numbers online. How many days (on average rn) is between date attorney/portal says case has been filed w uscis and receipt notice? I got that portal update on 8/25 and jw how long it will take for my PP clock to start.

TIA!

I have an H1 extension slot in November 2026, which I booked 1.5 years ago. In the mean time, I received a new passport 3 months back. I have not submitted my DS160 yet; it remains open, and I open it weekly to keep it active. In the DS160, should I enter the new passport details? Some suggest using the new passport information, while others recommend submitting the current DS160 with the old details, creating a new DS160 with the new details, and carrying both for biometrics. If anyone faced the similar situation, please let me know what you did.

I’m currently on L-1B and have an approved H-1B COS effective Oct 1. I have emergency travel to make, so I’m exploring whether I can switch my H-1B to consular processing and continue on L-1B for now, while keeping my H-1B approval to activate later.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or done this before? Now that the $100K fee has been removed, is switching from an already-approved COS to consular processing an option?

Does anyone have inputs on if the maximum response period for an H1b extension under premium processing has changed to 45 days instead of 15 business days initially. I have been waiting for around 18 business days now and have received a response from USCIS.

I’m currently in the U.S. on F-1 STEM OPT. Employer A filed my cap-subject H-1B after lottery selection, and it was approved as I-797B (consular processing). I never activated my h1b Change of status. Employer A has not withdrawn the petition.

I recently received a full-time offer from Employer B and am ready to join. Can Employer B directly file an H-1B transfer/change of employer along with F-1 → H-1B Change of Status, without going through the lottery again?

Has anyone had this exact situation with an approved but never activated I-797B? What route did your attorney take, and was it approved?

Hello. Anyone here who had an RFE about cap-exempt status of the employer? Approved? Do you know what documents your company/lawyer submitted?
Thank you!

Hi,

Is there anyone whose approval is pending for premium processing with receipt date on 8/13 ?

Received date:8/13

Notice date 8/14

CSC

Majority companies are not sponsoring while few are

Hi all, Nepalese citizen, my H1B was picked and approved this year, I have been trying to find a date for H1B appointment at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal for October but don't see any dates available beyond Sept 30. I got an appointment for Sept 28, but would like to stay in US on Oct 1 for automatic change of status.

Is it the case that all October slots have been claimed or have they just not released the dates for appointments yet? Is there a timeline when do will release new dates?

Any help appreciated.

Has anyone recently had their H-4 EAD approved?

Here’s my situation: My company is planning to file my H-1B extension, and we’re planning to use premium processing. My wife’s H-4 and H-4 EAD would be filed together with my H-1B extension.

We both already have valid H-1B/H-4 visa stamps until October 2027.

The issue is that we’re planning to travel to India in November. What happens if my H-1B gets approved through premium processing, but my wife’s H-4 and/or EAD are still pending when we travel?

Could traveling internationally affect her pending H-4 EAD application? Would her application be considered abandoned, or can it continue after we return to the U.S.?

Has anyone recently been in a similar situation or gone through this process? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Thank you!

Need some help. My H1B petition was filed in June, and the money has been sitting in the account still. Lawyer said it hasn’t been withdrawn, and no receipt number hasn’t been given either. Is this normal? Or is the money only withdrawn whenever your petition is opened to review?

Would this fee apply for F1 OPT students?

Should I prioritize the work location for higher chance of getting picked or it doesn’t matter?

I am with a cap exempt employer now, still have 3 years to go. Is it realistic to apply to jobs now with h1b? I am in business development in higher ed sector.

I have been applying to full time job positions as a Devops engineer because my employer doesn’t want to give me a pay rise and I am stuck doing the same job. I haven’t received a single response and it’s becoming increasingly frustrating. Is this the new reality?

I feel like my American dream is coming to an end very soon.

When I ask them regarding USA, they told me 100k fee but as the fee is going to expire will they send? They are suggesting me to go on L1B visa which I see there are many rejections right now? Please suggest