I-612 approval from Vermont Service Center

[Dr_sdk]

I am physician who completed residency on a J-1 visa.  I applied for J-1 waiver based on IGA to work in an underserved area. This has been approved by the local health department, state and favorable recommendation has been sent by Department of State. After the favorable recommendation, H-1B was filed with premium processing. One week into that, the California Service Center " stopped the clock", requiring aproval of I-612 by Vermont Service Center. This I-612 approval can take any where from 1-4 months.

I know a lot of phyisicans who get their H-1B approved directly by California Service Center without requiring I-612 approval.

This is keeping me from getting the H approved, and thereby from starting my job.

I wonder if people have any thoughts or experience with this?

[mdj1]

Hello ,

I am also currently going to apply for h1b premium process and my 612 is pending. Just wanted to see what is your situation and any developments. Please reply. Thanks

[fjabbar]

I have a question. Can somebody apply for H1b visa interview at a consulate (candidate has left US after signing J1 waiver) if he has I 129 (H1 status) approved via premium processing, while USCIS is pending?