How to still expedite an H1-B Visa

What does the H1-B Work Visa change mean for you and/or your company?  It means that, beginning April 3, 2017 and possibly for the next six months thereafter, you can no longer pay the $1,225 fee to have the H1-B expedited in fifteen (15) days.  Beginning April 3rd, you will have to wait several months along with everyone else.  This means you could be waiting for an answer on your petition for anywhere from and estimated three (3) to twelve (12) months.

Despite this, here may be an exception for you to have the process expedited, after all.  Per USCIS.gov,

USCIS review​s​ all​ expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and requests are granted at the discretion of the office leadership.​ The burden is on the applicant or petitioner to demonstrate that one or more of the e​xpedite criteria have been met.​​

​USCIS may expedite a​ petition or application if it meets one or more of the following criteria:​

·         Severe financial loss to company or ​person​;​

·         Emergency situation;​

·         Humanitarian reasons;​

·         Nonprofit organization whose request is in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States​;​

·         Department of Defense or ​n​ational ​i​nterest ​s​ituation (These particular expedite requests must come from an official U.S. government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to the government.);​

·         USCIS error; or​

·         Compelling interest of USCIS.​

If you believe you may fall into one of the above categories, or if you need the get your petition filed prior to the April 3rd deadline, the attorneys at Hadley Law, PLC can help you request your expedition.  Call us at 757-498-1800 or email us at admin@hadleylawplc.com to set up an appointment.