An H-1B applicant has found themselves in a strange and stressful situation. Just two days after responding to an RFE, their premium processing was suddenly stopped without explanation.
From J-1 to H-1B Cap Exempt
The applicant, a physician, is switching from a J-1 visa to an H-1B cap-exempt visa to work at a rural hospital. They opted for premium processing to speed up the transition and begin their new job quickly.
USCIS Halts Processing Without Reason
A month after submitting their RFE response, the USCIS unexpectedly stopped processing the application. Despite sending an explanation, the applicant has received no official notification and now faces uncertainty over whether it’s another RFE or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).
Financial and Emotional Strain
This unexpected delay has left the applicant in a serious financial bind. Unable to start work, they face growing expenses and stress while waiting for clarity from immigration authorities.
Impact on Essential Medical Workers
The case highlights the unnecessary hurdles faced by foreign medical professionals. These are essential workers serving rural areas, yet they are often caught in bureaucratic delays that harm both them and the communities relying on their care.
A Call for Policy Reform
Situations like this point to a larger problem within the immigration process. Without faster and clearer intervention from government agencies, skilled workers and the public will continue to face avoidable hardships.
