f_t

My H1-B petition was approved on May 5. My employer used premium processing for the petition, but still hasn't received the official documents(I-797) from USCIS. He got an email notice that the petition was approved on May 5.

How long does it generally take to receive the documents for a H1-B petition from USCIS in such a scenario?

Can someone please advise?

Thanks a lot.

ian-mstm

I'd give it until the end of June. You can't enter the US until September 20, so it's not something that needs to be rushed.

Ian

f_t

Does USCIS state that somewhere that it takes about 2 months to send the approval notices for premium processing?

My employer is a university(which is cap exempt) so I do not have to wait till the year starts on Oct 1.

Generally, it is a good idea if you get the documents quickly as then begins the tough part of applying for a visa. There are cases where due to some 221(g) clause a visa process may take upto 3 months. So, starting the visa process early is advisable whether your employer is cap exempt or not.

Thanks for your time

henryh

When you have paid for premium processing, I believe you have bought the right to speak to USCIS "directly" on the telephone. I would give them a call, it can't hurt.

f_t

Well, I hear USCIS generally responds to employer inquiries (as it is the employer who petitions for the worker). I contacted my employer, but did not hear back from them and don't want to appear as a pest to them even before joining them.
But, yes you are right, I could call them(reaching a live person on the USCIS phone number is somewhat difficult, though) and ask them this question as a general question.

Thanks for your time and advice.

henryh

http://www.uscis.gov/premiumprocessing

"If you have already filed a Request for Premium Processing Service and you need to contact the Service Center, call the Premium Processing Toll Free phone number at 1-866-315-5718. You will need to have your receipt number when you call, because this phone number is only for inquiries relating to Premium Processing Service."

You might get better results with that than with the general USCIS phone number. That webpage says that only the petitioner may *apply* for premium processing (though the beneficiary may pay), but it doesn't say anything about who can enquire about the progress of the case. I assume you have your receipt number.

f_t

Thanks for the link.

I knew it, the phone number as well as the email address([email protected]) for premium processing before I posted here. I will try calling, but as a general rule USCIS employees do not give information to candidates. I have the receipt number and will see what happens if I call.

Thanks again for your aid and time.

ian-mstm

It's a common mistake made by new posters, but y'know... it would have been helpful if you had indicated these facts in your original post. It would have saved everyone some time and energy. We aren't mind readers.

Ian

f_t

My apologies. I should have been more careful. I will try to be in my next post.
Thanks for pointing it out.