On October 3, 2017, USCIS announced that Premium Processing of all H-1B petitions has resumed effective immediately.

USCIS had temporarily suspended the premium processing program for all H-1B petitions filed on or after April 3, 2017. Recently, USCIS had begun phasing in premium processing service for certain categories of H-1B petitions, such as physicians, by cap-exempt petitioners, and for cap-subject petitions.

Premium Processing Service provides expedited processing for certain employment-based petitions and applications. Specifically, USCIS guarantees 15 calendar day processing to those petitioners or applicants who choose to use this service. USCIS will refund the Premium Processing Service fee if they are unable to provide a response to the petition within the specified timeframe. Even if the fee is refunded, the case will continue to receive expedited processing.