Temporary Suspension of Premium Processing of Extension of Stay H-1B Petitions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will temporarily suspend its premium processing service for all H-1B Petitions requesting an Extension of Stay (including amendment and change of employer requests). The temporary suspension will be in effect from May 26, 2015 until July 27, 2015. USCIS will continue to provide premium processing service for all other H-1B petitions (including change of status and consular notification).

The temporary suspension is intended to allow USCIS time to adjudicate cases for a new type of employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses in a timely manner. USCIS will begin accepting these applications starting May 26, 2015, when the final rule takes effect. For guidelines on eligibility and the application process, please see our prior news alert here: http://tonkon.com/employment-authorization-for-certain-h-4-spouses

Please see the following link for USCIS FAQs on the employment authorization application procedure for certain H-4 spouses: http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/faqs-employment-authorization-certain-h-4-dependent-spouses

This client update is prepared for the general information of our clients and friends. It should not be regarded as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding this update, or for more information about this topic, please contact any of the attorneys listed above, or the attorney with whom you normally consult.

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