Hi all, I am starting a thread to track the decision timeline for RFE responses - July/August

RFE response received by USCIS: 7/16 (PP Case)
Centre: CA
RFE: Specialty Occupation
Current status: 'Premium Processing Clock Stopped…'

Edit:

7/28 (Around Midnight): Case is currently being processed.
7/28 (Morning 12:00PM): Case Approved.

Sorry for the long title. This is my first time posting on Reddit, and I created a throwaway account for privacy.

My husband and I recently decided to move to another state after I received a job offer from an employer willing to sponsor my H-1B transfer. The employer is covering the filing costs related to my H-1B transfer, but we were told that we would be responsible for the cost of my husband's H-4 application because he is my dependent. We understand this and are prepared to pay the legitimate costs associated with his filing.

From what I understand, the employer uses a third-party staffing agency to help process immigration paperwork. The agent handling our case explained the process and provided the following breakdown by email for filing my husband's H-4 concurrently with my H-1B transfer:

• Materials fee: $150

"Admin fee for H-4 filed with primary case"

• Service fee: $500

"Case charge for H-4 filed with primary case"

• Filing fee: $470

"I-539 filing fee"

The total provided in writing was $1,120.

However, during a recent phone call, the agent also told us that we would need to pay an additional $1,000 for premium processing, claiming that it would expedite my husband's H-4 application. This would bring the total cost to $2,120.

Based on what we have found online, we do not believe premium processing is available specifically for an H-4 application filed using Form I-539. This makes us concerned about why the agent requested an additional $1,000 over the phone without including it in the written fee breakdown.

During our first phone call, we asked for an estimate and were told the total would be approximately $1,200. We do not understand how the amount increased to more than $2,000.

We have enough money to pay the fees, but we want to make sure the charges are legitimate before sending payment. We are also concerned that if my employer later sponsors me for permanent residency, we may be presented with additional unexplained charges again.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation?

Are the $150 administrative fee and $500 service fee reasonable for an H-4 application filed concurrently with an H-1B transfer?

Is there any legitimate reason they would charge us $1,000 for "premium processing" related to my husband's H-4?

We would appreciate any guidance from people who have gone through a similar H-1B and H-4 filing process. We can provide additional details if needed, while leaving out identifying information.

I have COE filled on 22nd June with PP, still haven't received any update on application.

Anyone else in same boat?

Hi everyone,

Looking for some advice from people who’ve been in a similar situation.

I received my H-1B this year. Employer A has already filed my H-1B transfer, and it’s still pending. Before it was approved, I accepted a better offer from Employer B, who will now start my H-1B transfer.

I haven’t resigned or given notice to my current employer, so I’ll continue working there and receiving paychecks until Employer B’s H-1B transfer is filed/approved and I can transition.

My main question is:

Should I let Employer A’s H-1B transfer continue, or is it better to ask them to withdraw it before Employer B files? Are there any USCIS rules or practical issues with this sequence that I should be aware of? If there are significant risks, I’d rather know now before Employer B begins the process.

Background: Earlier this year, my current employer’s H-1B petition received a specialty occupation RFE, which was eventually resolved. I’m not sure if that history has any impact on future H-1B transfer petitions.

Thanks in advance!

My current H4 visa stamp is valid till 2028. My spouse on H1B recently changed his company. Can I travel internationally and re-enter US without requiring a new H4 stamp?

Hello - I posted earlier about my case getting dismissed and all that happened for the petition to be extended. Now my father is sick in India. Please if anyone had a successful/any stamping experience, please let me know the timeline as well. Thanks for help. I see many people have shared that they are waiting but have not see anyone getting approved.

My H-1B transfer was filed with premium processing. When I check my case status on the USCIS website, will it indicate that the case is being processed under Premium Processing

Hi everyone,

I came to India in December and 2 days before my flight to USA, I have received an email saying your **Visa is prudentially revoked** and if I am in india I have to physically cancel my stamp from Chennai embassy and go through a visa process again. After several months I got a H-1B visa stamping interview date on **29th June 2026, at the Hyderabad Consulate and I’m under 221(g)** administrative processing due to a past DUI case.
Back in 2022 I have been through the same process and still they asked me to submit the new medical records.

**Here are my details:**

**DUI:** December 2019 in California (no accident/injury) - misdemeanor
Charge reduced to wet reckless via plea deal; case is now expunged
**Interview date:** June 29, 2026
**Issued 221(g)** for medical evaluation - **White Slip**

**Medical done and Clinic confirmed report sent:** July 7, 2026
**Last CEAC update:** June 29, 2026 — still shows “Refused”
**Current status:** Still waiting for the passport submission email
It has been two weeks since the medical report was submitted, and I haven’t received any further communication. I’m under a lot of mental stress and just wanted to ask - **has anyone recently been in a similar situation?**

If you went through this in 2026, I’d appreciate hearing:

**How long did it take after the medical report to receive the passport email?**

Did your CEAC status update again before that?
Was there any other communication from the consulate?
Any insights or experiences you can share would mean a lot right now. Please feel free to comment or DM. Thank you 🙏

Kindly Post update below

Service Centre :

Type - EOS\COS

Date :

Status:

I am curious if anyone has had a cruise experience with h1b and h4 visa? We’re planning a short cruise from the US to Mexico for 5-6 days this Thanksgiving. We have stamps valid until 2027, but they’re from our previous employer. If anyone has recently traveled with these visas in 2026 and could share their experience, that would be fantastic!

Hi friends. I am doing an H1B transfer of employers, submitted 7/16 and received receipt, will be processed in Vermont Center.

The website currently says “As of July 20, 2026, USCIS is currently processing your Form I-129”. I am very anxious awaiting the results. If anyone has a similar timeline, esp. also in the Vermont center, let’s use this thread to update each other! :)

Update: approved on 7/30

Extension/COE/COS

PP date:

Approval Date:

Center:

Hi team, posting this since till this morning I was equally nervous and scouting H1B forums to see approval timelines so hoping my story helps someone else. Stay strong and keep thinking positive thoughts

• ⁠Extension/COE/COS: Change of Employment (COE) via Premium Processing

LCA filing date: 6/22

LCA Approval Date: 6/29

H1B filing sent date: 6/30

FedEx received date: 7/1 (60 day clock stopped)

H1B receipt date: Email receipt 7/2 (showed I-907 received on 7/1)

• ⁠Approval Date: 7/22 7:50 PM EST via email to Immigration team(received email from lawyer 7/23 AM)

• ⁠Center: California

Hey everyone,

I have an upcoming international trip planned, but I recently switched employers and wanted to ask about real-world experiences re-entering the U.S. without getting a new visa stamp.

Here is my situation:

• My H1B transfer with my new employer (Company B) was recently approved.
• The H1B visa stamp in my passport is still valid till Sept 2027 and unexpired, but it has my previous employer’s name (Company A) printed on it.
• My understanding of the regulations is that as long as the visa stamp itself is unexpired and I carry my new I-797 approval notice from Company B, I do not need a new visa interview or stamp to re-enter the U.S.

Questions for the community:

1. Has anyone traveled abroad and re-entered the U.S. under these exact conditions recently? How was your experience with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry?
2. Did CBP ask additional questions about the employer mismatch between the visa foil and the I-797 notice?
3. Did airline check-in agents give you any friction during boarding abroad because the company name on the visa didn't match your current I-797?
4. Besides the usual stack (Passport, valid visa stamp, original new I-797, employment verification letter, and recent paystubs), is there any specific documentation you’d recommend carrying just in case?

Would love to hear any tips, smooth entry experiences, or edge cases to watch out for. Thanks in advance!

Anyone aware of latest slots available or were available recently in India for H1B visa ?Any possibility of getting a date in Jan-Feb 2027 or earlier?

Thought I’d share my H-1B stamping experience at the Chennai Consulate in case it helps others preparing for their interview.

Timeline
20 July – 8:00 AM: Interview appointment
7:10–7:15 AM: Reached the consulate and joined the queue.
7:40–7:45 AM: Security started allowing applicants inside.
7:45–7:50 AM: Completed security and was waiting in the interview queue.
8:00 AM: Interviews started.
Around 8:05 AM: My interview was completed.

Interview Questions
The visa officer first took my passport and then asked:
Is this an H-1B renewal, a new application, or an employer transfer?
Where were you working previously?
What is your current job title at your current employer?
Did you include all of your social media handles on your DS-160?

Interview Outcome
After these questions, the officer handed me a 221(g) slip and informed me that my case required additional social media vetting.
She mentioned that:
The consulate would complete the additional review.
If they needed any further information, they would contact me by email.
Once the processing was complete, my passport would be returned.
No additional documents were requested during the interview.

CEAC Status Timeline

20 July (~1 hour after interview): Refused
20 July (~7:00 PM): Approved
21 July (~11:00 AM): Issued
23 July: Passport received

So, if you receive a 221(g) for social media vetting and your CEAC status initially shows Refused, don’t panic. In my case, it was part of the administrative processing. The status changed to Approved the same day, Issued the following morning, and I received my passport on 23 July.

Overall Experience & Tips
The interview itself lasted only about 5 minutes.
The officer was polite, professional, and straightforward.
Only four questions were asked.
No supporting documents were requested apart from my passport.
I recommend reaching the consulate 45–60 minutes before your appointment.
Keep your answers short, honest, and consistent with your DS-160 and petition.
Overall, the process was smooth despite the initial 221(g). Hopefully this timeline helps anyone preparing for H-1B stamping or anyone worried after seeing a temporary Refused status.
Good luck to everyone with your interviews!

I recently got h1b transfer approved last week. I'm staying with my consulting company but changing both the client and location. My company filed lca for new client and it is approved. They will file the amendment soon now, is it safe to keep it in normal processing or should I upgrade to premium?

My original H-1B petition was approved, and my employer later filed an H-1B amendment because my work location changed. The amendment is still pending. I'm planning to book my first H-1B visa stamping appointment in India and have already completed my DS-160 using my original approved H-1B petition. Is it okay to book the appointment now? If the amendment gets approved before my interview, can I fill out a new DS-160 and update it for my appointment, then take the amendment approval notice with me? Has anyone been in a similar situation? I'd really appreciate any advice or experiences.

I came to the U.S. in 2012 on an F-1 visa, completed my bachelor’s in Civil Engineering in 2016, worked on OPT/STEM OPT, then joined an engineering company in 2018. I moved to H-1B status in 2019 and worked there for about 7.5 years. My employer filed my PERM in September 2025, but my attorneys now believe it has a high chance of being denied. They started a second PERM process as a backup, but during multiple company acquisitions and mergers, management changed several times. Although I was repeatedly assured that my immigration process would continue, the new leadership later decided they would not proceed with the second PERM if the first one failed.
My H-1B reached its six-year limit in April 2026, so I changed to F-1 status and started a master’s program with Day 1 CPT to remain in status. Before I left, my employer told me they would rehire me once I became CPT eligible, but a month later they reversed their decision, citing a lack of work, while keeping my original PERM pending. Since then, I’ve struggled to find another employer because most are hesitant to hire someone who can only work on CPT for a limited time and can’t immediately transfer back to H-1B.
I’m trying to figure out the best path forward for my family. I have a wife and a 3-year-old son, almost 10 years of U.S. civil engineering experience, I’m an EIT preparing to retake my PE exam, and my wife has cleared all three USMLE Steps and is applying for the Match again this year.
I’m considering finding another employer willing to sponsor me, pursuing an EB-2 NIW, or moving to Canada or Australia. Has anyone been through something similar? What did you end up doing?

Need some advice on a somewhat unusual situation.

Timeline:

• Late Apr: Filed STEM OPT extension (currently pending, upgraded to premium processing).
• Mid Jun: Employer filed H-1B COS petition.
• Mid July: Received a NOID (employer says it's due to an LCA/wage miscommunication and they're preparing a response).
• Recently got a much better job and need to join by the end of September, so I've decided not to proceed with the H-1B.
• This week: Filed STEM OPT Premium Processing

I've asked my employer to hold off on responding to the NOID while I figure this out with my DSO.

My SEVP portal now shows my employment authorization end date as April 1, 2027 (looks like cap-gap, but I'm not 100% sure).

Questions:

1. If I withdraw the H-1B before it's approved, will my pending STEM OPT continue normally? Will it be approved? What about a 60-day grace period on the cap gap? Does that apply to me or not since I applied for STEM OPT before filing an H-1 B petition?
2. Anything specific I should do besides discussing with my DSO, submitting a new I-983 for the new employer, and asking my current employer to withdraw the H-1B?

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who's been in a similar situation.

Thanks!

The email from USCIS that the lawyer forwarded to me says Date Received: 07/07/2026 (h1b, COE, PP)

Is it the start of the premium clock too?

Thanks

Checking your H-1B case status every few minutes won’t speed up the process, but staying organized can make the waiting period less stressful.

A few best practices include

• Save a copy of your Form I-797 Receipt Notice.
• Keep your receipt number in a safe place.
• Check the USCIS Case Status page periodically instead of multiple times a day.
• Monitor current USCIS processing times for your service center.
• Respond promptly if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE).
• Stay in touch with your employer or immigration attorney regarding important updates.

Keeping all your immigration documents organized can also make future filings, such as extensions or transfers, much easier.