Need help understanding if the approval email notification (premium processing) is for change of status or consular processing?
I was on H-1B visa (the stamp is valid until Feb 2026) until I was laid off in April 2025. Filed for change of status to B2 on June 27 2025 (towards the end of 60 day grace period). Received a job offer and they filed I-129 petition for change of status to H1B on September 26 2025 morning, while B2 application was still pending adjudication. Later that day itself, COS to B2 was approved and received an approval notice with a new I-94 attached. The law firm just received an approval email notification from USCIS for my I-129 petition. It includes "Consulate/ Port of entry notified: US Consulate - New Delhi" as a field along with an I-94 # (same as the one generated for my B2 approval). This is format normal for a premium processing email notification - Does this mean the approval is a change of status and I don't need to leave the country before I start working? Or could this be a consular processing? Thanks in advance for your help!
Generally, the email notification from USCIS for the I-129 petition that includes "Consulate/ Port of entry notified: US Consulate - New Delhi" as a field along with an I-94 # (same as the one generated for my B2 approval) implies that the Change of Status from B to H1B is granted.
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The approval is likely a change of status approval. The "Consulate Notified" field appearing in the premium processing email is standard format and doesn't mean you need consular processing. However, you need to wait for the full I-797 approval notice to confirm - it will clearly state either "The person is now in H-1B status" (COS approved) or "must apply for visa at consulate" (consular processing). Do NOT start working until you receive and review the full I-797.
If my answer is the "BEST ANSWER" and/or "HELPFUL" please mark it accordingly. Fluent in 7 languages. Board Certified Specialist in U.S. Immigration Law, The State Bar of California...
The content of the communication received, such as the I-797 notice of action should precisely indicate the purpose of the notice. In the alternative share the response with a qualified lawyer.
This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered legal advice. Consulting with an immigration attorney is strongly recommended for specific situations.
