H-1B Petitions

H-1B Information

The University of Missouri System only allows specific immigration attorneys to file employment petitions on behalf of the University. Please contact an HR Operations team member and they will provide you with the name and contact information of the most appropriate attorney for your specific case.

The H-1B process requires case preparation, Department of Labor approval of the Labor Condition Attestation (LCA), a Department of Labor prevailing wage determination (in some cases, if needed or requested by the employer) and review and approval by the USCIS. The time it takes to complete these steps is quite variable.

Typical case timeline 

  • Immigration attorneys will first prepare the case and the file it with the Department of Labor 
  • The Department of Labor will take several days to issue the LCA and several weeks to issue a prevailing wage determination. 
  • The USCIS may take as little as 2 months to review a filed H-1B through normal processing or longer than 6 months. Unless the case is premium processed
    • The USCIS offers premium processing of H-1B petitions for $1,410, which will guarantee review in 15 business days after the case is filed. The USCIS does not have to approve the case in 15 days, but they must approve it or issue a Request for Evidence if they have questions about the petition. Premium processing may be requested at the time of filing, or a case may be “converted” to premium processing after filing. Generally, the employer does not have to cover the cost of premium processing for an H-1B extension case but may be required to cover the cost if for an important business purpose. 

Typical costs

  • USCIS filing fee: $460 and an additional $500 for new H-1B employees.
  • USCIS anti-fraud fee: $1,500 for the first H-1B and extension.
  • Legal fees: $1,750 to $1,950 (depending on position), $350 to set up an account with the Department of Labor.
  • Dependent fees: $295 with a USCIS filing fee of $370 – $410 for H-4 visas.
  • Estimated total: $4,560 + any premium processing if necessary.

Please be in contact with an HR Operations team member to begin the H-1B process for someone in your department and documentation will be distributed to you and the beneficiary.