H-1B Application Process & Timeline
For Eligible Positions at Brandeis University
If the scholar is eligible for an H-1B Visa or for an extension of an H-1B Visa, the ISSO works with the scholar and hiring department to complete the H-1B application process.
The H-1B application process is complex and can take as long as 6 months to prepare, file, and be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the H-1B is being extended for the scholar, the same application process must be repeated. See the steps below:
Step 1: Prepare Required Forms and Documents
Step 2: Prevailing Wage Determination
Processing time is approximately 45-60 days.
The H-1B application cannot be completely assembled until all documents are submitted to the ISSO. See Step 1 for all required documents.
The ISSO can begin Step 2 with a copy of the official job description (from the hiring department).
Step 3: Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Processing time is approximately 7-30 days.
Step 4: Filing the H-1B Petition with USCIS
Filing Costs and Fees
Faculty and Postdoctoral Associates
Legal Fee: None-processed by the ISSOUSCIS Application Fee: $460
USCIS Anti-Fraud Fee: $500*
USCIS Premium Processing Fee: $2500 (necessary in most cases)
*Anti-Fraud Fee not applicable for renewals of Brandies-sponsored H-1Bs
Staff (Including Research Associates and Scientists)
Legal fee: Approximately $2700USCIS Application Fee: $460
USCIS Anti-Fraud Fee: $500*
USCIS Premium Processing Fee: $2500 (necessary in most cases)
*Anti-Fraud Fee not applicable for renewals of Brandies-sponsored H-1Bs
Due to significant processing delays by USCIS, Brandeis currently files all H-1B petitions with premium processing, with a fee of $2,500 per petition. USCIS guarantees 15 calendar day processing to those who use the premium processing service.
Please contact scholars@brandeis.edu with any questions.
Note that all applications processing with USCIS are subject to security clearance procedures that can further delay processing.