12/18/2020
The annual H-1B rush is here!
If you are planning to file an H-1B petition (CAP subject only) for the Fiscal Year 2022, please keep in mind these deadlines:
Timelines & Deadlines:
Step 1: initiate case with our office
Monday, February 1, 2021
Recommended deadline for starting your case (sign file opening paperwork + make first payment)
Step 2: prepare for electronic registration
Monday, February 8, 2021
Recommended deadline for sending all required documents & information to our office to complete the newly implemented electronic registration process
Step 3: Electronic Lottery Submission
March 1, 2021 -- March 20, 2021
USCIS to open an initial electronic registration period – we will complete the electronic registration process for your application
Step 4: Electronic Lottery Processing
(Details and timeline for Step 4 to be announced by USCIS)
USCIS will run an electronic lottery. If you are picked, you will be able to continue the H-1B process.
Step 5: Labor Condition Application submission and processing
Processing time: approximately 10 calendar days but may be longer than usual during the annual H-1B rush
Labor Condition Application filed electronically with the U.S. Department of Labor (This must be filed after being selected and must be approved before we can file the H-1B petition)
Step 6: Government processes petition
Regular Government Processing time for Step 6:
Could be up to several months during rush season
Government processing time for premium processing cases (extra fee paid to government):
15 calendar days to receive initial decision (Specific further details on premium processing for the Fiscal year 2022 Cap season are yet to be announced by USCIS.)
Please note that in previous years, only H-1B cap subject petitioners requesting a change of status could apply for premium processing with the initial petition. For example, last year, all other cap subject H-1B petitions not requesting a change of status could not request premium processing until after May 29, 2020, when they were allowed to upgrade their case to premium processing.
Feel free to let us know if you have any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Law Office of Chandraker & Shaw
http://samialaw.com/
781-461-1500
