# H-1 Information

**Source**: https://isss.illinois.edu/departments/h1/
**Parent**: https://isss.illinois.edu/

- [H-1 Visa Processing Timeline](#processingtimeline)
- [Which H-1 form is the correct choice?](#whichh1form)

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## H-1 Visa Processing Timeline

|  | Action | Completed by | Timeline |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Step 1** | Submits H-1B request. | Host Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Varies by department. |
| **Step 2** | Reviews H-1B request. | ISSS | Approximately two weeks from receipt of the complete request from the department. |
| **Step 3** | Submits a Prevailing Wage Determination request to the U.S. Department of Labor. | ISSS | Six months or more. |
| **Step 4** | Files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor. | ISSS | 7 business days. |
| **Step 4** | Posts LCA notice in two conspicuous locations. | Host Department | 10 business days. |
| **Step 5** | 1. Completes and returns LCA notice 2. Arranges meeting with ISSS to prepare H-1B petition for submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). | Host Department | 1-2 weeks. Varies by department. |
| **Step 6** | Receives and reviews H-1B petition. | USCIS | 15 days (premium processing). 8 months (regular processing). |
| **Step 7** | Schedules visa interview with U.S. Embassy or Consulate. | Prospective H-1B Employee (if abroad) | Approximately 1-14 days (timeline varies by country). |
| **Step 8** | 1. Conducts visa interview. 2. Issues visa stamp, if approved. | U.S. Embassy or Consulate (if employee is abroad) | Approximately 1-7 days (timeline varies by country). |
| **Step 8a** | If Security Clearance is needed, U.S. Department of State conducts security check. If clearance is received, visa is approved. If denied, visa is denied. | U.S. Department of State | Approximately 4-8 weeks (could be longer). |
| **Step 9** | 1. Travels to U.S. and clears customs (if abroad). 2. Checks in with host department and ISSS upon arrival. | Prospective H-1B Employee | Several weeks (timeline varies by individual). |
| **Step 10** | Reviews visa documents at check-in. | ISSS | 1 hour. |

## Which H-1 form is the correct choice?

### Complete the H-1 Request Form and…

- Check “New H-1 Employment” if:

  - The individual is NOT currently in H-1 B status AND the individual does not plan to work for another H-1 employer during their appointment at Illinois.
- Check “New Concurrent Employment” if:

  - The individual IS currently in H-1 B status, does not currently work for Illinois, AND plans to work for another H-1 employer during their appointment at Illinois.

### Complete the H-1 Extension Form and…

- Check “Change in Previously Approved Employment” if:

  - The individual IS currently in H-1 B status, currently works for Illinois, AND has had a *significant* change to their job title, duties, salary, or department/location.
- Check “Change in Previously Approved Employment” if:

  - The individual IS currently in H-1 B status, currently works for Illinois, AND has had a *minor* change to their job title, duties, salary, or department/location.
- Check “Continuation of Previously Approved Employment” if:

  - The individual IS currently in H-1 B status, currently works for Illinois, AND has NOT had a *significant* or *minor* change to their job title, duties, salary, or department/location, other than a small salary increase due to the annual salary increase.
- Check “Amended Petition” if:

  - The individual IS currently in H-1 B status, currently works for Illinois, AND has had a significant change to their job title, duties, salary, or department/location.