We recently wrote about USCIS’s suspension of premium processing for H-1B cap-subject petitions. As we are quickly finding out during this public health pandemic, news and government policies are constantly evolving. In addition to the previously announced suspension, the government announced it has immediately and temporarily suspended premium processing services for many employment-based applications, including: E-1, H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and immigrant visa petitions (Form I-140).
The suspension is effective beginning March 20, 2020 without warning or a grace period. USCIS will not accept any new requests for premium processing. It will continue to adjudicate premium processing cases received and accepted by March 20, 2020. If your case is on its way to the government for premium processing, but has not yet been accepted, the government will return the filing fee.
USCIS has not indicated when it will reintroduce premium processing, but we will continue to monitor this and notify our clients when it once again becomes available. If you are a current client, we will analyze your case and let you know of any potential impacts on your case strategy.