H-1B visa update: USCIS hikes premium processing fee for visa application

livemint.com:

US to open 4,000 H-1B application slots weekly for Indians, Canadians: Report The premium processing charges for Form I-539, used by the international students, spouses, and dependents of the H-1B visa holders for upgrading their non-immigrant status have been increased to $1,965 from the current $1,750. H-1B visa holders don't need to leave the US for visa renewal - here's why Further, Form 1-765, which is for seeking employment authorisation, such as for F-1 students for their optional practical training (OPT) increased to $1,685 from the existing $1,500.

Under this category of visa application, the case is adjudicated with a shorter timeline. For instance, for Form I-439 and Form I-765, it is 30 calendar days but for H-1B premium processing is undertaken in 15 calendar days.

US visa: 5 big changes in rules that happened in 2023 Last week, a pilot programme to resume domestic visa renewal for qualified H-1B visa applicants cleared a review by a top regulatory body under the White House. H1B visa cap reached for 2024. What's next for ‘non-selected’ candidates Under the pilot cleared by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) review on December 15, the qualified H-1B visa applicants will not have to travel abroad to renew their work visa.