What an H-1B premium-processing timeline looks like (example)

This is a sample I-129 (H-1B (Cap-Subject)) timeline with I-907 premium processing — realistic milestones, real status names, plain-English explanations. It is not a real user's case.

Form: I-129·Type: H-1B (Cap-Subject)·Center: Vermont Service Center·Total: 27 days
Sample data only. These milestones are illustrative — based on typical I-129 H-1B premium processing patterns at Vermont Service Center. Your actual case may include additional steps (LCA approval, RFE, biometrics). Premium processing guarantees a response within 15 business days, not necessarily an approval. Receipt number shown is fictional.

H-1B Petition — Premium Processing (I-907)

1
Case Was Received
April 14, 2026

USCIS received your employer's I-129 H-1B petition, along with the I-907 premium processing request. The $2,805 premium processing fee starts the 15-business-day clock from this date. You'll receive two receipt numbers: one for the I-129 and one for the I-907.

+4 days
2
Receipt Notice Was Mailed
April 18, 2026

USCIS mailed receipt notices for both the I-129 and I-907. Your employer's attorney should receive them within 7–10 business days. The I-797 for the I-907 shows the 15-business-day premium processing deadline.

+11 days
3
Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS
April 29, 2026

A USCIS officer is reviewing your H-1B petition. Under premium processing, USCIS must issue an approval, denial, or Request for Evidence (RFE) within 15 business days of receiving the I-907. This update is at business day 11 of the 15-day window.

+8 days
4
Case Was Approved
May 7, 2026

Your H-1B petition has been approved. USCIS issued an I-797 approval notice listing the authorized employment period (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2029 for cap-subject cases). Your employer's attorney will receive the physical notice; ask for a copy for your own records. If you're changing status from F-1 OPT cap-gap, confirm your I-94 reflects the new H-1B status.

+4 days
5
Approval Notice Was Mailed
May 11, 2026

The official I-797 approval notice is in the mail. Keep the original — your employer needs it for HR records. If you plan to travel internationally before October 1, you'll need to apply for an H-1B visa stamp at a US consulate before you leave.

Filed
April 14, 2026
Approved
May 7, 2026
Total updates
5
Filing → approval
23 days
About premium processing (I-907): USCIS guarantees a response within 15 business days of accepting the I-907. The $2,805 fee does not guarantee approval — just a response within that window. If USCIS issues an RFE, the 15-day clock pauses and restarts once USCIS receives your response.

Make it yours

GreenLight tracks your real H-1B case the same way — decoding every USCIS status update, showing the 15-business-day premium processing countdown, and alerting you when something changes.

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Receipt number stays on your device. Only anonymous milestones go to us.
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GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. This page shows fictional sample data for illustrative purposes only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. uscis.gov/i-129