Premium Processing, Explained
Learn how to request expedited processing for certain USCIS forms with Form I-907
The U.S. immigration process can be lengthy, with processing times for various U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) forms ranging from a few months to several years. Depending on the type of form you are filing, one strategy to speed up the application process and ensure a timely review of your documents is something called “Premium Processing.” Mainly applicable to employment immigration, Premium Processing can significantly cut down the time it takes to receive a decision on your forms, making it a popular strategy for sponsoring employers and work visa holders.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of Premium Processing, how to file Form I-907, and what else to expect when utilizing this strategy for your application.
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What is Premium Processing?
Premium Processing is an expedited service offered by USCIS for certain types of visa and immigration applications. It allows applicants or their sponsoring employers to pay an additional fee to have their petitions processed within a shorter timeframe than the standard processing time.
In order to request Premium Processing, applicants or their representatives must file Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service) when submitting their underlying petition.
Visit USCIS’ page on premium processing to learn more.
Which Forms are Eligible for Premium Processing?
As mentioned, Premium Processing relates to employment-based immigration. The following USCIS forms may be eligible for Premium Processing:
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): This includes categories such as H-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): This includes categories such as EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3.
- Certain classifications of Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Certain classifications of Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
Eligibility for Premium Processing may vary depending on your underlying petition and the specific details of your case. Check USCIS’ website to determine whether your application qualifies.
Premium Processing (Form I-907) Timeline
When utilizing Premium Processing, for most classifications, USCIS guarantees a response within 15 calendar days from the date of receipt of Form I-907. This response could be an approval notice, a denial notice, a request for additional evidence (RFE), or a notice of intent to deny (NOID).
Processing times for Premium Processing can vary depending on the type of underlying position. Be sure to check USCIS’ website to determine your exact processing time when filing Form I-907.
Premium Processing Costs
The current fee to file Form I-907 and request Premium Processing is $2805.
The fee for Premium Processing is in addition to the regular filing fee for the underlying immigration application. Applicants must pay the Form I-907 fee separately from other filing fees. If you submit a combined fee payment for multiple forms, such as a single check or money order, USCIS will reject the forms for improper fee payment.
Important:
On February 26, 2024, USCIS increased the Premium Processing fee to remain in line with inflation. Learn more here.
Form I-907 Process & Supporting Documents
To file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, applicants should follow these steps:
- Complete Form I-907: Fill out all sections of Form I-907 accurately and completely. You can download the form from the USCIS website or obtain it from a USCIS field office. Make sure to provide all required information, including personal details, the type of immigration form you are requesting Premium Processing for, and the USCIS office where the underlying form was filed.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Collect any supporting documents required for Form I-907. This typically includes a copy of the receipt notice for the underlying petition (such as Form I-129 or Form I-140) for which Premium Processing is being requested. Ensure that the information on the receipt notice matches the information provided on Form I-907.
- Payment: The current fee for Premium Processing is $2805. Form I-907 filing fees can be paid by check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Alternatively, you can pay using a credit card by completing and including Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions).
- Mail the Form: Mail the completed Form I-907, along with any supporting documents and payment, to the appropriate USCIS address. The address will depend on the location where the underlying immigration form was filed. Be sure to use the correct mailing address to avoid processing delays.
- Receive Confirmation: Once USCIS receives your Form I-907 and payment, they will issue a receipt notice confirming the receipt of your request for Premium Processing. This notice will include a receipt number, which you can use to track the status of the Premium Processing request online through the USCIS website.
- Wait for Processing: USCIS guarantees a response within 15 calendar days of receipt of a Premium Processing request.