On May 17, USCIS announced that it completed a crucial step toward processing cap-subject H-1B petitions for the 2020 fiscal year. In the coming weeks, immigration law officials will begin notifying selected petitioners and returning documents to those who were not chosen in the lottery. Furthermore, USCIS will also transfer some petitions from the Vermont processing center to California to increase efficiency and decrease wait times. Here’s what you need to know.

USCIS Completes Data Entry for Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

After the computerized random selection process, USCIS must enter the information of selected petitioners into the system for further processing. This step has been completed, so petitioners selected in the lottery should receive acceptance notifications shortly.

Notifications of Denials

Due to the sheer volume of filings, USCIS cannot offer a definitive timeframe for receipt of denial notifications and returned petitions. However, the process will likely take weeks or even months. If you have not yet heard about the status of your petition, immigration law officials ask that you wait until you receive a receipt notice or a returned petition before sending an inquiry.

Transfer of Petitions

Depending on the workload and the speed at which petitions are reviewed, USCIS may transfer some cases from the Vermont processing center to California. If you receive a notification that your petition has been transferred, your immigration law attorney should address all correspondence to the new processing center.

As one of New York City’s premier immigration law firms, Berd & Klauss, PLLC helps clients from across the world navigate the complexities of the process. Their team carefully monitors changes and developments in the law, giving them the ability to provide the most effective service possible. Visit their website to see how they can help with your non-immigrant visa petition, get more updates on Twitter, or call (212) 461-7152 to consult with a lawyer today.