USCIS, in an attempt to prioritize the adjudication of its long pending H-1B extension petitions, is temporarily suspending their Premium Processing service for all H-1B petitions. USCIS intends to temporarily suspend Premium Processing for all H1B applications beginning Abril 3rd and this service could remain suspended for up to 6 months. According to USCIS, the temporary suspension would help them prioritize the adjudication of long pending H-1B extension of status cases.
In order to receive faster processing during the Premium Processing suspension period, a request must be made under a special “expedite criteria” including documentation of one or more of the following:?
- Severe financial loss to company or ?person?;?
- Emergency situation;?
- Humanitarian reasons;?
- Nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States?;?
- Department of Defense or ??national ??interest ??situation (These particular expedite requests must come from an official U.S. government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to the government.);?
- USCIS error; or?
- Compelling interest of USCIS
It is pertinent to note that this language is rather vague as USCIS does not indicate if they will attempt to adhere to the same 15 day scheme for those they agree to expedite or if USCIS will merely adjudicate qualifying applications faster than their standard processing timelines.
As always our team is committed to providing you excellent service and will be available to assist you with any issues you may encounter with this process. You can find additional details about Harry Gee & Associates and our services at our website www.harrygee.com.