Premium Processing to Resume for All H-1B Petitions Filed on or Before December 21, 2018
February 15, 2019

At a glance
- Beginning Tuesday, February 19, 2019, employers can request premium processing services for all pending H-1B petitions filed on or before December 21, 2018.
- Until further notice, premium processing will remain unavailable for most H-1B filings submitted on or after December 22, 2018.
- USCIS has not yet announced whether premium processing will be available for the upcoming H-1B cap season.
This situation
USCIS will resume premium processing services on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 for all pending H-1B petitions filed on or before December 21, 2018. Employers who wish to upgrade eligible cases to 15-day processing can file Form I-907 and the $1,410 premium fee.
Premium processing remains suspended for H-1B changes of employer, amendments and non-cap subject changes of status filed on or after December 22, 2018. It is not yet known when USCIS will lift the suspension for the remaining case types. The agency had previously projected that the premium processing suspension, which has been in place since April 2, 2018, would be lifted for all H-1B case types by February 19, 2019.
As a reminder, since January 28, 2019, USCIS has accepted premium processing requests for FY 2019 cap-subject petitions. Premium processing has also remained available – regardless of when the petition was filed—for extensions of H-1B status with the same employer that do not involve changes in circumstances, H-1B petitions filed for employment with or at a qualifying cap-exempt organization and other non-H-1B case types ordinarily eligible for premium service, such as L-1, O-1 and I-140 petitions.
USCIS has not yet announced whether premium processing will be available for the FY 2020 H-1B cap filing season, which begins April 1, 2019.
What employers should do now
Employers with qualifying H-1B cases should contact their designated Fragomen representative if they wish to request premium processing service. Employers preparing responses to USCIS requests for evidence can include a premium processing request and fee with their response.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
