H-1B exemption at risk? Attorney explains secret ‘brake-pumping’ strategy used to trigger $100,000 fees

The US government in September last year imposed a massive $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B visa applications. At the same time, visa stamping appointments and interviews at US consulates, especially in India, are facing long delays. Now, an immigration lawyer says something even more confusing is happening behind the scenes.

Immigration attorney Kevin J. Andrews says he is seeing unusual delays in H-1B premium processing cases. Premium processing is supposed to give a decision within 15 business days. But that is not happening in some cases.