H-1B Timing and Fees Chart
All time estimates are from the date that a complete H-1B request is submitted to OIS. All fees listed are required fees unless otherwise noted.
Case Type | Fees | Premium Processing time | Regular Processing time | Travel |
Change of Status to H-1B (in U.S. in another immigration status) | $325 filing fee $500 anti-fraud fee $1,225 for premium processing OPTIONAL | 3 months to obtain approval | 6-8 months to obtain approval | Cannot travel outside the U.S. while petition is pending with USCIS. |
H-1B transfer (in U.S. with another H-1B employer) | $325 filing fee $500 anti-fraud fee $1,225 for premium processing OPTIONAL | 3 months to obtain approval | 3 months to obtain receipt notice (can start work without USCIS approval) 6-8 months to obtain approval | Can travel outside the U.S. while H-1B petition is pending as long as H-1B status with previous employer has not expired |
H-1B extension (currently employed by UM in H-1B status) | $325 filing fee $1225 for premium processing OPTIONAL | 3 months to obtain USCIS approval | 3 months to obtain receipt notice (can continue working while pending) 6-8 months to obtain approval | Cannot travel outside the U.S. past expiration of previous petition until extension is approved by USCIS |
H-1B amendment (substantive change(s) to terms of employment for current UM employee) | $325 filing fee $1,225 for premium processing OPTIONAL | 3 months to obtain approval | 3 months to obtain receipt notice (does not require approval to change terms of employment 6-8 months to obtain approval | Can travel outside the U.S. while H-1B petition is pending as long as H-1B status is still valid. |
Consular Processing (employee currently outside the U.S.) | $325 filing fee $500 anti-fraud fee $1,225 for premium processing OPTIONAL | 3 months to obtain H-1B petition approval Visa issuance time will vary by consulate. Consult OIS. | 6-8 months to obtain H-1B petition approval Visa issuance time will vary by consulate. Consult OIS. | Can travel to U.S. upon issuance of H-1B visa (Canadian citizens are exempt from visa requirement; H-1B petition approval is required) |
Concurrent H-1B employment (someone currently in the U.S. in H-1B status and wishes to add UM as an additional employer) | $325 filing fee $500 anti-fraud fee $1,225 for premium processing OPTIONAL | 3 months to obtain approval | 3 months to obtain receipt notice (can start work at UM without USCIS approval) 6-8 months to obtain approval | Can travel outside the U.S. while petition is pending as long as H-1B status with primary employer is still valid. |
