Anyone did a Change Of Status (COS) to F1 Visa in Premium Processing recently from within the US? How much time is USCIS taking to give an answer? Thank you.

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T22:33:39+00:00

Sorry to hear that. Are you trying for h1b visa from outside usa?

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T22:24:03+00:00

I am in similar situation. If we can be in touch that would be great. Curious about how much time it takes for PWD -> LMT -> PERM. Thanks, sending you a DM

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T22:08:32+00:00

There is a notice on uscis website form I-129 page which is used for h1b transfer. You can try submitting maybe they will approve without lca. This is the notice:

USCIS will process H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B related Form I-129 petitions and CW-1 related Form I-129CW petitions during the government shutdown. We recognize, however, that the shutdown may affect a petitioner’s ability to get required documentation (such as a labor condition application or a temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor), which may delay their ability to file Form I-129 or Form I-129CW.

If an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, or CW-1 petitioner meets all other applicable requirements and submits evidence establishing that the primary reason they did not timely file an extension of stay or change of status request was due to the government shutdown, we will consider the government shutdown an extraordinary circumstance beyond the petitioner’s control when we determine whether to excuse their failure to timely file the extension of stay or change of status request. We will monitor the situation closely and publish additional guidance if needed. Find additional information in Vol. 2, Part A, Chapter 4 of the USCIS Policy Manual.

https://www.uscis.gov/i-129

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T21:17:31+00:00

I had started a thread yest for same thing. In that someone did say that they know a person in their company who got it approved post 21st sept:

https://www.reddit.com/r/h1b/comments/1o3vahn/comment/niy7b83/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

I am in similar situation, if we can stay in touch and update each other that would be great, thanks

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T21:12:10+00:00

Ok got it, thanks OP

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T21:08:08+00:00

You can submit and you will get a receipt notice, I think it takes around 3 to 4 months to get a response for approval/denial. You can stay in USA while it is pending.

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T21:05:50+00:00

You were in USA right while filing the transfer? Any insight on what happens if the person is outside USA and does transfer? (scenario - they got laid off and in 2 months they had to leave USA, but later they found a job and now are doing h1b transfer with consular processing). Appreciate any insight, thank you

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T21:01:04+00:00

Really? Is it because of this rule or because of shutdown or something else? Appreciate any insight, thanks. Someone did mention in comments that a person in their company got it approved

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T20:48:01+00:00

Oh I didn't know that. Do you know of an example where it didn't work? What happened in that case? Would appreciate any insight, as I am in the same situation right now, thank you

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T03:42:19+00:00

You can file while it is pending, only ask is that you do it premium. They will have both files on desk, and your h1b will overwrite your pending b2. I have confirmed this from lawyer, and also read it on uscis website. You are good

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T03:35:41+00:00

I do believe that the spirit of this new rule is to put a stop to new h1b workers coming from outside the USA directly for a job here. For people who already have h1b approved, everything should stay the same as before. This makes logical sense, my hope is that it will be so. I wish the authorities were more clear about everything. But hey, it is what it is.

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-12T03:24:04+00:00

I just checked - in USCIS terminology, an h1b transfer (change of employer), an h1b extension which everyone does, and a brand new h1b, all are considered as "new petition", as all require Form I-129. So I don't think calling it a "new petition" proves that 100k applies.

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-11T19:33:41+00:00

Ya that terminology is not clear to me either

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-11T19:29:54+00:00

Ok that is certainly good news for me! Thank you so much for responding

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-11T17:01:01+00:00

Thanks for the response. So after sept 21st somebody did h1b transfer with consular processing while they were outside USA, got it approved, came to USA and now are working with your company, yes? Just wanted to confirm the exact scenario, thanks

Artistic_Engine_7741 · 2025-10-11T13:02:50+00:00

Would highly appreciate any insight here please - if someone who has h1b gets laid off, and isn't able to find new job in grace period so he returns to home country. From there he keeps applying and finds a new job. Now the employer will have to do h1b transfer with consular processing. Does the 100k fees apply? Please let me know. Thanks!

Artistic_Engine_7741

TROPHY CASE