H1B Premium Processing Pilot Project at VSC
Posted May 04, 2001

We have written various articles in prior MurthyBulletins about the "premium processing" program to expedite certain petitions at INS for an extra fee of $1000, which is in addition to all other fees and costs in processing an H1B petition. INS had indicated that the program would begin with certain nonimmigrant petitions other than H1B, and eventually expand to include H1Bs and perhaps I-140s and other petition types.

Now we receive word that the Vermont Service Center (VSC) is implementing the program on a test basis, for H1Bs. The initial test will involve about 100 attorneys from around the country. Each of the 100 attorneys will be able to select only two H1B cases, which must have been filed on or after April 2, 2001. VSC is requesting that each of the participating attorneys send certain identifying information on the cases by noon on Monday, May 7, 2001. VSC expects to complete the test by May 28, 2001. VSC will provide eMail, fax, and telephone contacts to the attorneys, but these means of contact are to be used only with respect to the particular cases in the program, or the attorney will be disqualified from the program.

When VSC approves the case, they will send an eMail or fax notification, and the attorney should acknowledge via eMail. The approval notice will be sent by mail in the usual manner. However, if the attorney has provided a completed FedEx envelope, VSC will send the approval notice that way.

VSC will send any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) by fax, and the attorney should acknowledge by fax. The actual response should also be sent by fax, by May 28, 2001 if possible. If the RFE is not replied to in that time frame, the response should be sent by mail within the usual 12-week deadline.