As previously announced, USCIS will be offering premium processing in a two-phased approach during the Fiscal Year 2020 cap season. The hope is that by offering premium processing in two phases, the government can better manage the requests without fully suspending premium processing. As many of our clients know, the government has had to suspend all premium processing for H-1B petitions in the past due to high demand.
The first phase will offer Premium Processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions requesting a change of status. The government promises to make a decision within 15 days starting May 20, 2019. The second phase will include all other H-1B cap-subject petitions and will not begin until at least June 2019. Currently, premium processing for all other H-1B petitions that are exempt from the cap, such as an H-1B extension of stay, remains available. Hopefully, the government can avoid a total suspension of premium processing. USCIS is likely to make additional announcements regarding premium processing in the coming months. We will continue to track any updates to keep our clients informed.