H-1B Workflow

Total Estimated ISSS Processing Time:
2.5 to 8 months (subject to change)

Regarding processing times: if the Department of Labor can approve the wages through the OES instead of having to request a prevailing wage, the time frame is the shorter of the two listed above.

Step 1

Information and Evidence Gathering

Department notifies ISSS of potential H1B hire; ISSS emails both department and beneficiary listing of all documents required.

Department and beneficiary complete forms, gather and prepare supporting documents, letters, etc. NOTE: department is responsible for securing all required signatures
Department and beneficiary submits document packets to ISSS

Estimated Time: Please submit within 30 days of request from ISSS.

Step 2

ISSS Review, NPWHC and U.S. Department of Labor Approval Process

ISSS reviews request packet; communicates with department and/or beneficiary about any questions
ISSS obtains Prevailing Wage Determination from the National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC) or Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Program
ISSS completes and files Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor
Copy of Labor Certification position notification is sent to department and Human Resources. Document must be posted for 10 business days; after which, posting is signed, dated and returned to ISSS Office
ISSS requests application checks from Accounts Payable
ISSS prepares Public Access File and Department of Labor file
ISSS prepares final H-1B petition; submits to USCIS by overnight mailing

Estimated Time: 2.5 to 5 months

Step 3

Upon Receipt at USCIS

USCIS reviews and adjudicates petition in approximately 4–5 months (regular processing)
If the Florida Tech department or beneficiary elects to pay an additional fee to USCIS for Premium Processing, USCIS will review and adjudicate the application or send a Request for Further Evidence/Information (RFE) within 15 business days

Estimated Time: 15 business days to 5 months

Step 4

Consular Processing Required if Beneficiary is Outside U.S.

Upon approval, ISSS sends required documentation to beneficiary abroad
Beneficiary schedules visa appointment with U.S. Embassy/Consulate (n/a to Canadian citizens)
U.S. Embassy/Consulate reviews application, conducts security background check, issues visa stamp

Estimated Time: 2 weeks to 3 months (varies with specific Consular posts and length of time required to clear security; please check with your particular Consulate)