All H-1B applications are subject to the processing times listed below. This includes H-1B applications for new employees, H-1B extension applications for current IIT employees, and H-1B applications for new employees who are currently working in H-1B status sponsored by a different employer (change of employer applications).
These processing times are estimates under the best conditions. The Office of Global Services (OGS) will make every effort to process applications that are submitted to our office late but remember that there a portions of the application process that we have no control over. A late application to our office would be any application submitted 4 months or less before the expected start date or, in the case of extension application, 4 months or less before the current H-1B expiration date.
| Process | Estimated Processing Time* |
|---|---|
| OGS's initial review of the H-1B application submitted by the sponsoring IIT department | Allow 5-10 business days |
| Prevailing Wage Determination | Up to 8 weeks |
| Labor Condition Application (LCA) | 7 business days after LCA has been posted |
| OGS preparation of I-129 and supporting documents | 5 business days |
| Mailing time to the USCIS via FedEx or UPS | 1-2 business days, depending on type of shipment (next day, 2nd day) |
| I-129 Receipt Notice mailed by USICS to OGS, expected arrival time | 2-3 weeks |
| Premium Processing of I-129 | 15 business days The clock will restart after any Requests for Evidence |
| Regular Processing of I-129 | 3-7 months |
| I-129 approval notice mailed by USCIS to OGS, expected arrival time | 1-3 weeks |
| Estimated Total Processing Time for Premium Processing cases from initial application with OGS to the arrival of the USCIS I-129 approval notice | 4 -5 months |
| Estimated Total Processing Time for Regular Processing cases from initial application with the OGS to the arrival of the USCIS I-129 approval notice | 6+ months |
Office of Global Services Initial Review of the H-1B Application
During the initial review, the application will be checked for accuracy and completeness. Any inconsistencies or missing documentation or information will be brought to the attention of the sponsoring IIT department and the H-1B beneficiary (employee) for resolution before the OGS will continue with processing the application.
Prevailing Wage Determination
OGS requests a Prevailing Wage determination through the Department of Labor. DOL issues Prevailing Wage determinations in approximately 60 days.
Labor Condition Application
After the Prevailing Wage Determination is received, OGS submits a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the U.S. Department of Labor for certification. OGS will create a draft LCA and send it to the sponsoring department and Human Resources for posting. Once OGS receives confirmation that the draft LCA has been posted in both offices, the LCA will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor for certification. The Department of Labor is bound by regulation to adjudicate the LCA within 7 business days.
Office of Global Services Preparation of I-129 and Supporting Documents
After the LCA is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, OGS writes the cover letter for the application, prepares the I-129 and Premium Processing form (if applicable), makes 2-3 copies of the complete application and binds the application for mailing.
Mailing time to the USCIS via FedEx or UPS
Using the FedEx or UPS account number provided by the sponsoring IIT department, the OGS mails the application to the USCIS. The default service is 2nd day air. However, the sponsoring IIT department may request next-day delivery. The sponsoring IIT department must contact the OGS advisor who is handling the case to request next-day delivery.
I-129 Receipt Notice mailed by USICS to the Office of Global Services, Expected Arrival Time
After the USCIS receives the application, it may take up to 3 weeks for the USCIS to issue a receipt notice and mail the notice to OGS. The USCIS uses the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USCIS does not entertain requests to mail the receipt notice to IIT via UPS, FedEx, DHL, or any other express mail services.
In the case of H-1B extension applications and H-1B change of employer applications, the beneficiary (employee) may continue to or begin working at IIT upon the receipt of the I-129 Receipt Notice. OGS will notify the sponsoring IIT department and the beneficiary that the Receipt Notice has arrived and that the beneficiary may continue to or begin working at IIT. The beneficiary may continue working at IIT until the I-129 is adjudicated and either approved or denied. If denied, the beneficiary must cease employment at IIT immediately.
Premium Processing of I-129
Premium Processing for H-1B petitions is still an option for petitions filed through Illinois Institute of Technology. The fee to request Premium Processing increased to $1,410 on Monday October 1st, 2018.
The updated form and new fee information are available here.
Regular Processing of I-129
The normal processing time for the I-129 is 3-7 months. The USCIS lists processing times online at www.uscis.gov.
I-129 Approval Notice Mailed by USCIS to the Office of Global Services, Expected Arrival Time
After the USCIS approves the application, it may take up to 3 weeks for the USCIS to issue an approval notice and mail the notice to OGS. Even in the case of Premium Processing requests, the USCIS uses the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you wish to receive the approval notice faster, you may elect to have it sent by FedEx at your expense. Please indicate your preference on the H-1B Request Form.