H-1B Timeline

Each H-1B case is unique. There may be factors beyond the control of the Office of International Services (OIS), the hiring department, and the H-1B applicant that delay the preparation and filing of an H-1B petition. 

All JHU H-1B petitions are filed using Premium Processing [PP]. With PP, USCIS is required to review the petition and take action within 15 calendar days of receipt. 

It is important to consider the many steps that must be completed before a department can initiate an H-1B request with OIS, including, but not limited to:

Understanding JHU’s H-1B Timelines

Individuals who are presently in the U.S. in a non-immigrant status *other than H-1B* and eligible to change status to H-1B.

Individuals who are in the U.S. in H-1B status and require one of the following:

• Extension of JHU sponsored H-1B; or
• Amendment to JHU sponsored H-1B due to a material change in the terms of employment (may include extension); or
• Presently in H-1B status with another employer and need a JHU sponsored H-1B.

Individuals who are *not* presently in the U.S.
or
Individuals who are in the U.S. but are not eligible for a change of status to H-1B.

Further Action

This occurs when USCIS issues an RFE for additional information or evidence. When an RFE is issued, JHU/OIS will have approximately 60 days to prepare and submit a response to USCIS. When USCIS receives the RFE response, USCIS will resume processing the H-1B petition.

If you have questions about these timelines or H-1B sponsorship, please email [email protected].

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Applying for a Visa Stamp and Travel to the U.S.

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the US in H-1B status must first obtain a visa stamp unless otherwise exempt from visa stamping requirements. A visa stamp is placed in the traveler’s passport by a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

Important Reminders:

• When selecting the U.S. Consulate to apply for the H-1B visa stamp, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. Consulates may place additional application requirements, and in some cases, prohibit applications based on an applicant’s country of citizenship or birth.
• In many instances, an in-person interview is required as part of the visa application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the visa appointment wait times for the U.S. Consulate where they will apply for the visa. 
• Before DOS issues the visa stamp, the U.S. Consulate may require additional time for administrative processing. This can substantially delay entry to the United States. See OIS website for more information about Administrative Processing.
• Visa applicants should not make travel arrangements until they are in possession of a valid H-1B visa stamp.
• Upon entry to the U.S., the H-1B applicant should immediately retrieve and carefully review their I-94 record to ensure they were admitted in the correct status and for the proper duration.