H-1B Cap Petition – Basic Information from Lally Immigration

What, How, Why

Before I provide basic information on what services we offer and how those services are rendered, I want to take a brief moment to explain why Lally Immigration Services exists.

Mission Statement

Our mission is: “To liberate invaluable time through an unwavering dedication to organization and efficiency, so that together, we can maintain balance in our lives.”

By optimizing processes and minimizing unnecessary back-and-forth, we liberate invaluable time for everyone to invest in other priorities.

This immigration process is one, small fraction of your current priorities. My goal is to champion time for your other priorities by providing the most organized and streamlined process possible.

I have worked diligently to instill my core values of: organization, efficiency, consistency, transparency, etiquette and balance, in all that I do. My goal is to conduct business with individuals that share these values. 

Flat Fee

I charge a flat fee of $2,550 to prepare an H-1B petition.

Services Included

This flat fee includes the following services:

• • Preparation and review of all required forms and supporting documents;
  • Filing the petition with the USCIS;
  • Tracking the petition with the USCIS; and
  • Preparation of the required Public Access File.

You are responsible for the USCIS filing fee ($460 or $730) as well as the Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee ($500), ACWIA Fee ($750 or $1,500), Asylum Program Fee ($0, $300, or $600), and Public Law 114-113 Fee ($4,000), if applicable. More information on these fees is available (here).

Internal Processing Time

Generally, I can have an initial draft prepared within seven (7) business days after receiving all of the required information and documentation.

Note: I never begin the drafting process until I receive written confirmation that all of the required information and documentation has been provided. This prevents a significant amount of back-and-forth editing/updating and reduces the opportunity for error. 

USCIS Processing Time

The USCIS processing/waiting times are both long and beyond my control. The USCIS provides estimated case processing times on their website (here). 

The estimated processing times are calculated based on how long it took the USCIS to complete 80% of cases over the past 6 months.

To check the current USCIS processing times, visit the USCIS website (above), and select the following options from the dropdown menus:

• • Form: I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
  • Form Category: Change of Status in the U.S. (if applicable)
  • Field Office: * Depends on Petitioner’s Primary Office Location (here)

Note: The estimated processing times listed on the USCIS website are generally much longer than it actually takes.

Process Flow

The typical process flow in my office is as follows:

• • Intake (basic questions to confirm eligibility);
  • Legal Services Agreement;
  • Payment;
  • Client Questionnaire and Document Request;
  • LCA;
  • Drafting;
  • Client Review;
  • Edits (if necessary);
  • Submission;
  • Receipt Notice(s);
  • Request for Evidence (if any); and
  • Decision.

Working with Dayna

I am a firm believer of setting clear expectations at the beginning of the process and maintaining open communication throughout. Therefore, I am providing the following information on working with me:

Communication Hours

My communication hours, a time reserved exclusively for client communication (emails, phone calls, and meetings), are from 1:00 – 2:30pm EST, Monday – Friday.

In an effort to maximize productivity and maintain a healthy work/life balance, I generally do not respond to emails or phone calls outside of the communication hours listed above. I also do not offer consultations (virtual or otherwise) outside of these hours. 

Preferred Form of Communication > Email

I communicate with clients predominantly through email. This ensures that all communication is in writing and easy to reference.

To facilitate fast and efficient correspondence throughout this process, I ask that clients relay all questions/concerns to me in bulleted emails in the format below:

Hello Dayna,

Good afternoon! I have a few questions:

• • Question 1
  • Question 2
  • Question 3

This format encourages clients to clearly articulate any and all questions or concerns. This format also enables me to provide direct, tailored responses. I normally respond to all questions within one (1) business day; generally, the same day (after 1:00pm EST).

Phone Calls

I do not answer unscheduled phone calls. I believe that an effective phone call (or meeting) requires an agenda. Therefore, I limit phone calls from existing clients to an urgent (or scheduled) basis.

Generally, calls must be scheduled 24 hours in advance and occur between 1:00 – 2:30pm EST, Monday – Friday. I do not accept walk-in appointments.

Vacations and Holidays

I plan annual vacations at least six (6) months in advance. These vacation days are updated in the signature panel of all emails sent by me. I will not draft, review, or ship any immigration paperwork when scheduled to be out of office. My office is closed on all Federal and State (Massachusetts) holidays.

Mail Processing

I process all incoming and outgoing mail on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Clients must confirm shipment prior to 2:00pm EST for same-day shipment on Tuesday or Thursday. I use USPS Priority Mail® 2-Day Delivery for packaging and shipping. Upon written requests from clients, I will use alternative or expedited shipping services. Clients are responsible for any and all additional costs.

USCIS Online Account

I highly recommend that clients create a USCIS online account (if/when possible). Creating a USCIS online account enables clients to obtain case status updates and access electronic copies of every notice issued by the USCIS in one, secure location. The electronic copies are generally available long before I receive the physical copies of the same correspondence. 

Ownership of Work Product

Upon signing a legal services agreement with me, clients agree that all information relating to their matter, including, but not limited to: email templates, document templates, discussion of the case, evaluation results, advice, strategy, and draft letters, are work product and the sole property of Lally Immigration Services, LLC at all times, even after the termination of representation. Disclosure of the mentioned information without my written consent may constitute breach of our agreement and may lead to termination of the representation and/or legal action to recover damages.

Should you have any questions or concerns, I am happy to schedule a call to discuss any of this further. Have a great day!