Premium Processing — expedited processing in United States immigration

The United States immigration process may be lengthy, with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing times for the various application types ranging from a few months to several years. Depending on the type of application filed, one strategy for speeding up the adjudication process and ensuring the case is reviewed promptly is called “Premium Processing”.

Applying mainly to employment-based categories, Premium Processing may significantly shorten the time to a decision on a case, making it a popular strategy for sponsoring employers and work visa holders. This guide covers the basics of Premium Processing, how to file Form I-907, and other points to bear in mind when using this strategy for a case.

What is Premium Processing?

Premium Processing is an expedited processing service USCIS offers for certain types of visa and immigration case. The service allows applicants or sponsoring employers to pay an additional fee to have the case processed within a shorter timeframe than the standard processing time.

To request Premium Processing, applicants or their representative must file Form I-907 when filing the underlying application.

Find out more about Premium Processing on the government website athere.

Which application types are eligible for Premium Processing?

As mentioned, Premium Processing relates to employment-based categories. The following USCIS application types may be eligible for Premium Processing:

• Form I-129(Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): includes categories such asH-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, R-1, TN-1 and TN-2.
• Form I-140(Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): includes categories such asEB-1, EB-2andEB-3.
• Certain classifications of FormI-765(Application for Employment Authorization)
• Certain classifications of FormForm I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)

Eligibility for Premium Processing may vary depending on the underlying application and the specifics of the case. Check the USCIS website to determine whether a case is eligible.

Premium Processing times (Form I-907)

Where Premium Processing is used, for most classifications USCIS undertakes to respond within 15 calendar days of the date of receiptForm I-907. This response may be an approval notice, a refusal notice, a request for further evidence (RFE) or a notice of intent to deny (NOID).

Premium Processing times may vary depending on the type of underlying case. Check the USCIS website to determine the exact processing time when filing Form I-907.

Premium Processing costs

The current fee for filing Form I-907 and requesting Premium Processing is USD 2,805.

The Premium Processing fee is charged in addition to the ordinary filing fee for the underlying immigration case. Applicants must pay the Form I-907 fee separately from other filing fees. Where a combined fee payment is submitted for several applications, such as a single cheque or money order, USCIS will reject the applications for improper fee payment.

The Form I-907 process and supporting documents

To file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, applicants should follow these steps:

1. Complete Form I-907: fill in all the sections of Form I-907 accurately and in full. Applicants may download the form from the USCIS website or obtain it at a USCIS office. Make sure to provide all the necessary information, including personal details, the type of immigration application for which the request is being made and the USCIS office where the underlying case was filed.
2. Gather the supporting documents: gather any supporting documents required for Form I-907. This usually includes a copy of the receipt notice for the underlying case (such as Form I-129 or Form I-140) for which Premium Processing is being requested. Make sure the information on the receipt notice matches the information provided on Form I-907.
3. Payment: the current fee for Premium Processing is USD 2,805. The Form I-907 filing fee may be paid by cheque or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. Alternatively, payment may be made by credit card by completing and attaching Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions).
4. Post the application: send the completed Form I-907, together with any supporting documents and the payment, to the appropriate USCIS address. The address will depend on the location where the underlying immigration application was filed. Make sure to use the correct mailing address to avoid processing delays.
5. Receive confirmation: after USCIS receives Form I-907 and the payment, it will issue a receipt notice confirming receipt of the Premium Processing request. This notice will include a receipt number, which applicants may use to track the status of the Premium Processing request online through the USCIS website.
6. Await processing: USCIS undertakes to respond within 15 calendar days of receiving the Premium Processing request.