US suspends expedited processing of H-1B visas

CNN reports:

The US is temporarily suspending expedited processing of H-1B visas, eliminating the option of shorter wait times for the program that helps highly skilled foreigners work at US companies.

Under the current system, companies submitting applications for H-1B visas for potential employees can pay extra for expedited processing, which is referred to as premium processing.

Premium processing costs an additional $1,225 and ensures a response from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in 15 days or the fee is refunded. Processing of standard H-1B applications -- those that are not premium -- takes between three to six months.

The suspension is effective April 3, and could last up to six months, according to USCIS.

Changes.