H-1B status is initially granted for a maximum period of three years and can be extended to a total of six years (regardless of the number of employers). The application process is complex and requesting a full three-year H-1B status (provided the intention is to retain the scholar for that timeframe) is recommended. Contact the International Center 9 months prior to the requested H-1B start date to begin the filing process for H-1B. For complex and time sensitive H-1B cases (or complex RFE requests from USCIS), outside legal counsel will be obtained to maximize the chances of H-1B approval. To begin H-1B sponsorship process at UCI, please see H-1B Before You Sponsor.
The following timelines vary based on the type of petition the department will prepare.
New, Change of Status, or Consular Processing H-1B Cases:
| Timeframe | Process | Reviewed By: |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 Weeks | Determine if H-1B sponsorship is possible, after department sends items under Before You Sponsor to International Center for review. If H-1B is an option, you will be contacted to submit more information to begin the filing process. | International Center |
| 1-2 Months | Preparation and gathering petition information from department, and employee to begin the filing process with USCIS. | International Center |
| USCIS Processing Options | ||
| 2-4+ Months | Review of complete H-1B Petition at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | USCIS |
| 3-4 Weeks | Premium Processing is an optional fee charged by USCIS to to expedite H-1B petition review. | USCIS |
For Extension, Change of Employer (COE), and Amendment Cases:
| Timeframe | Process | Reviewed By: |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 Weeks | Determine if H-1B sponsorship is possible, after department sends items under Before You Sponsor to International Center for review. If H-1B is an option, you will be contacted to submit more information to begin the filing process. | International Center |
| 1-2 Months | Preparation and gathering petition information from department, and employee to begin the filing process with USCIS. | International Center |
| USCIS Processing Options | ||
| 2-4+ Months | Review of complete H-1B Petition at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Employee may be eligible to begin employment upon confirmation that the H-1B petition for UCI was received and accepted by USCIS. | USCIS |
| 3-4 Weeks | Premium Processing is an optional fee charged by USCIS to to expedite H-1B petition review. | USCIS |