If you are currently employed as an H-1B temporary worker and your current authorization will expire before your employment at Tufts is expected to end, you must talk to your department so that they can initiate an H-1B extension process for you. The process for requesting an H-1B extension is similar to the process for an initial H-1B authorization; in both cases, your department must request H-1B authorization on your behalf.
You are eligible to request an extension of your H-1B status if you are currently in valid H-1B status and you will remain employed in a specialty occupation (a position requiring specialized knowledge and skills) with your Tufts department.
H-1B regulations allow H-1B status to be granted up to six years, but in increments of no more than three years at any one time. Certain persons in the process of applying for US permanent residence may be eligible for extensions beyond the sixth year; otherwise, departure from the US for an aggregate of at least 12 months is required in order to re-establish H-1B eligibility.
The H-1B extension process involves several steps, and may be initiated no earlier than six months before the expiration of your current authorization. Early preparation is highly advisable as it can take 2 - 3 months for the International Center to prepare and file a complete H-1B petition.
Premium Processing of H-1B Extensions: USCIS standard processing of H-1B petitions is extremely lengthy, taking about 8 months on average. However, USCIS offers a premium processing option that will expedite the review of an H-1B extension petition to 15 days. Premium processing may be paid by either the hiring department or the employee and will depend on school policies. However, the department must pay the premium processing fee if USCIS approval is needed by a specific time in order to ensure that the employee can remain in the US to continue lawful employment in the current position, or if the employee will need a new visa for business-related travel outside the US. However, the employee can bear the cost if a faster USCIS response is needed for personal reasons such as international travel for family trips or other non-business related activities.
After your extension is approved, you may need to apply for a new H-1B entry visa at a US consulate if you plan to travel outside the US. The USCIS extension approval only extends your ability to stay in the US and continue your employment. You must still obtain a valid visa in order to return from any international travel. For more information about the visa renewal process, go to our Travel Center.
If you are in H-1B status but also in the process of applying US permanent residence (whether through Tufts or independently of Tufts), please discuss your options for continued employment and travel with the International Center.
If you are accompanied by H-4 dependents - including a legal spouse and/or dependent unmarried children under 21 - you may also seek an extension of their status at the same time. Note: it is the responsibility of each H-1B employee and their H-4 dependents to take appropriate steps to maintain and extend dependents H-4 status. For a description of H-4 extension requirements, refer to our H-4 Dependents page.