Transfer guides · Updated June 2026 · 7 min read

H-1B Transfer Timeline & Checklist for HR Teams

Step-by-step H-1B transfer timeline for employers: from offer letter to USCIS receipt, with an HR checklist for change-of-employer cases.

HR checklist before you file

Confirm candidate is in valid H-1B status or within 60-day grace period
Finalize job title, worksite address, and salary (must meet prevailing wage)
Collect passport, prior I-797 approvals, I-94, and 3–6 months of recent pay stubs
Gather degree certificates, transcripts, and resume
Assign an internal owner for immigration (HR or legal)

Milestone timeline (typical transfer)

Employer milestones

01Case opened & candidate invitedDay 1–3
02Documents completeDay 7–14
03LCA certifiedDay 14–25
04I-129 filed with USCISDay 21–30
05Receipt notice (I-797C)Day 28–40
06Approval (regular processing)2–6+ months
07Approval (premium processing)15 business days from USCIS receipt

Timelines vary by DOL workload, case complexity, and whether premium processing is elected. Employers hiring on a fixed start date should build buffer into offer letters and communicate AC21 portability rules to candidates.

Track every milestone in one place

h1bfiling.com manages transfer intake, LCA, and I-129 prep with status updates for HR and the candidate.

See the full filing guide

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — consult qualified counsel for your case.