ISSO H-1B Work Flow

H-1B Temporary Nonimmigrant Workers in Specialty Occupations
Basic Procedures – General Work Flow

Step 1: Information and Evidence Gathering

Department and scholar complete forms, gather and prepare supporting documents, letters, ISSO and USCIS fees, etc.
Department submits request packet to ISSO

Step 2: ISSO Review, State of California and U.S. Department of Labor Approval Process

ISSO reviews request packet; communicates with department about any questions
ISSO obtains Prevailing Wage Determination from the National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC)
ISSO completes and files Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Employment & Training Administration, U.S. Dept of Labor
ISSO Prepares Public Access File and Union Notification (if applicable)
ISSO prepares final H-1B petition; submits to the USCIS

Step 3: Submission of Petition to USCIS

USCIS reviews and adjudicates petition in approximately 5-6 months (regular processing)
If UCSF Department elects to pay an additional fee to USCIS for Premium Processing, USCIS reviews and adjudicates petition in 2 weeks

Step 4: Consular Processing Required if Scholar is Outside US

Upon approval, ISSO sends required documentation to scholar abroad
Scholar schedules visa appt. with U.S. Embassy/Consulate (n/a to Canadian citizens)
U.S. Embassy/Consulate reviews application, conducts security background check, issues visa stamp

Step 5: Scholar Arrives at UCSF