On Tuesday, March 20, 2018 the USCIS announced the temporary suspension of premium processing for all H-1 B Cap petitions for fiscal year 2019. The USCIS indicated it expects the suspension to last until September 10, 2018.
While we normally do not recommend that our clients seek premium processing on H-1 Cap cases, there are some circumstances that our clients will be benefited from an expedited adjudication. USCIS acknowledges that on a case-by-case basis they will review the request for discretionary action in expediting a case when one or more of the following criteria are met:
1) severe financial loss or
2) emergency situation or
3) humanitarian reason or
4) USCIS error or
5) compelling interest of USCIS or Department of Defense for national interest situation or
6) non-profit organization furthering cultural or social interest of the United States.
USCIS advises that it reviews all expedited requests and will decide whether or not to exercise discretion depending upon the specific facts of the case considered.