Can I Use Premium Processing for My EB-2 NIW Case in 2025?

Key Takeaways

• Premium processing for EB-2 NIW guarantees USCIS decision within 45 calendar days as of January 30, 2023.
• Applicants pay a $2,500 fee and file Form I-907 to request faster EB-2 NIW petition processing.
• USCIS updated EB-2 NIW policy in January 2025, increasing evidence scrutiny and Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

Premium Processing for EB-2 NIW: A Complete Guide for Applicants

If you are considering applying for a green card through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category, you may have heard about premium processing. This service, offered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), promises a much faster decision on your petition. But what does premium processing really mean for EB-2 NIW applicants? How does it work, who is eligible, and what are the practical steps and risks involved? This guide explains everything you need to know in simple, clear language.

What Is Premium Processing?

Premium processing is a special service offered by USCIS that allows certain immigration petitions to be processed much faster than normal. When you request premium processing and pay the required fee, USCIS promises to make a decision on your case within a set number of days. For EB-2 NIW cases, this means a decision in 45 calendar days.

This service is especially helpful for people who need a quick answer—maybe because they want to start a new job, travel, or file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) as soon as possible.

What Is the EB-2 NIW Category?

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a green card category for people who have advanced degrees or exceptional ability and whose work is considered important to the United States 🇺🇸. The main benefit of the NIW is that you do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship. Instead, you can “self-petition” by showing that your work benefits the country as a whole.

People who often qualify for EB-2 NIW include:

• Scientists and researchers
• Doctors and healthcare workers
• Engineers and technology experts
• Professionals working in areas like climate change, artificial intelligence, or economic development

When Did Premium Processing Become Available for EB-2 NIW?

Before January 30, 2023, premium processing was not available for EB-2 NIW petitions. Applicants had to wait several months, sometimes longer, for a decision on their Form I-140 (the main petition for this green card category). This long wait could delay important plans, such as starting a new job or applying for adjustment of status.

Since January 30, 2023, all initial and pending EB-2 NIW petitions can request premium processing. This change is part of USCIS’s efforts to improve service and reduce wait times for applicants.

How Does Premium Processing Work for EB-2 NIW?

Step-by-Step Process

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to use premium processing for your EB-2 NIW case:

1. Prepare and File Form I-140 (EB-2 NIW):
   • Gather all required documents and evidence to show you qualify for the NIW.
   • Complete Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
   • Submit your petition to USCIS.
2. Request Premium Processing:
   • Complete Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service).
   • You can file Form I-907 at the same time as your I-140, or you can file it later if your I-140 is already pending.
3. Pay the Premium Processing Fee:
   • The current fee is $2,500 (as of June 2025). Always check the official USCIS premium processing page for the latest fee.
4. USCIS Processes Your Petition:
   • USCIS will make a decision (approval, denial, or Request for Evidence) within 45 calendar days of receiving your premium processing request.
5. Respond to Any Request for Evidence (RFE):
   • If USCIS needs more information, they will send you an RFE. Respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
6. After Approval:
   • If your I-140 is approved, you can move on to the next step—either filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if you are in the United States 🇺🇸, or starting consular processing if you are outside the country.

Who Is Eligible for Premium Processing?

All EB-2 NIW applicants—both new and those with pending petitions—can request premium processing. There are no special restrictions based on your country of origin, job type, or other factors. However, you must:

• Have a properly filed EB-2 NIW petition (Form I-140, E21 classification)
• Submit a completed Form I-907
• Pay the required fee

If you are unsure whether you qualify, it is a good idea to speak with an immigration attorney who can review your case.

What Are the Benefits of Premium Processing?

Premium processing offers several important benefits for EB-2 NIW applicants:

1. Faster Decisions

With premium processing, you will get a decision in 45 calendar days. Regular processing can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer. This speed can be very important if you have urgent plans, such as:

• Starting a new job
• Traveling internationally
• Filing for adjustment of status (Form I-485) as soon as possible

2. Priority Date Lock-In

When your I-140 is approved, your priority date is set. This date is important for tracking your place in line for a green card, especially if you are from a country with high demand. Getting your priority date sooner can help you move forward faster.

3. Peace of Mind

Waiting for months without news can be stressful. Premium processing gives you a clear timeline and helps you plan your next steps with more confidence.

What Are the Limitations and Risks?

While premium processing is helpful, it is important to understand what it does not do:

• No Guarantee of Approval: Premium processing only promises a faster decision, not a positive one. If your petition is weak or missing key evidence, you may still get a denial or an RFE.
• Higher Scrutiny: According to recent USCIS updates, EB-2 NIW petitions are being reviewed more closely. There has been an increase in RFEs and denials, especially since the January 2025 policy update.
• Cost: The $2,500 fee is significant. Make sure your petition is strong before paying for premium processing.

How Has USCIS Policy Changed for EB-2 NIW?

USCIS updated its guidance for EB-2 NIW petitions in January 2025. The main changes include:

• Stricter Review: Officers are looking more closely at the evidence provided. They want to see a clear link between your work and the national interest of the United States 🇺🇸.
• More RFEs and Denials: There has been an increase in requests for more evidence and in denials, especially for petitions that are not well-documented.
• Premium Processing Still Available: Even with stricter reviews, you can still use premium processing to get a faster answer.

Because of these changes, it is more important than ever to prepare a strong petition. Many applicants now work with experienced immigration attorneys to make sure their case is as strong as possible.

What Evidence Do You Need for EB-2 NIW?

To qualify for the EB-2 NIW, you must show:

• You have an advanced degree (master’s or higher) or exceptional ability in your field.
• Your work has substantial merit and national importance.
• You are well-positioned to advance your field in the United States 🇺🇸.
• It would benefit the United States 🇺🇸 to waive the normal job offer and labor certification requirements.

Common types of evidence include:

• Letters from experts in your field
• Publications, patents, or awards
• Proof of your work’s impact (such as media coverage or government reports)
• Evidence of funding, grants, or leadership roles

Real-World Example: How Premium Processing Helps

Let’s look at a simple example:

Dr. Lee is a scientist working on climate change solutions. She files her EB-2 NIW petition with regular processing and waits for five months with no update. She needs to start a new research project in the United States 🇺🇸 and wants to file for adjustment of status quickly.

Dr. Lee decides to request premium processing by filing Form I-907 and paying the fee. Within 45 days, she receives an approval. Now, she can file Form I-485 and move forward with her plans without further delay.

This example shows how premium processing can help applicants with urgent timelines or important career moves.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Prepare a Strong Petition: Make sure your I-140 is complete and well-documented before requesting premium processing. Weak petitions are more likely to get RFEs or denials, even with faster processing.
• Respond Quickly to RFEs: If you receive a Request for Evidence, respond as soon as possible. Delays can slow down your case, even with premium processing.
• Track Your Priority Date: After approval, keep an eye on the Visa Bulletin to know when you can move forward with your green card application.
• Consult an Attorney: If you are unsure about any part of the process, consider speaking with an immigration attorney who has experience with EB-2 NIW cases.

How Does Premium Processing Compare to Regular Processing?

Here’s a quick comparison:

As reported by VisaVerge.com, many applicants find the extra cost of premium processing worthwhile, especially if they have urgent plans or want to avoid the uncertainty of long wait times.

Who Should Consider Premium Processing?

Premium processing is a good choice for:

• Applicants with urgent job offers or start dates
• People who want to file Form I-485 as soon as possible
• Those who need to travel soon and want to secure their status
• Applicants in fast-moving fields where timing is important

However, if your case is not time-sensitive and you want to save money, regular processing may be enough.

What Is the Future of Premium Processing for EB-2 NIW?

USCIS is expected to keep offering premium processing for EB-2 NIW cases. However, the fee may change, and the review process may become even stricter. Applicants working in areas like climate change, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and economic development in underserved communities may see more favorable outcomes, as these fields are often considered important to the national interest.

It is important to stay updated by checking the USCIS premium processing page for any changes in fees or procedures.

Official Resources

• USCIS Premium Processing Information: How to Request Premium Processing
• USCIS EB-2 NIW Guidance Update: USCIS Newsroom Alerts
• Visa Bulletin for Priority Date Tracking: Visa Bulletin
• Form I-140 (EB-2 NIW Petition): Form I-140
• Form I-907 (Premium Processing Request): Form I-907
• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Form I-485

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Premium processing is available for all EB-2 NIW cases as of January 30, 2023.
• USCIS guarantees a decision within 45 calendar days when you use premium processing.
• The service does not guarantee approval—your petition must still meet all requirements and be well-documented.
• Recent policy changes mean stricter reviews, so careful preparation is more important than ever.
• The current fee is $2,500, but always check the official USCIS website for updates.
• If you have urgent plans or want peace of mind, premium processing may be a smart choice.

If you are ready to move forward, start by preparing a strong I-140 petition and decide whether premium processing fits your needs. For more details and the latest updates, visit the USCIS premium processing page.

By understanding your options and planning carefully, you can make the EB-2 NIW process smoother and faster, bringing you one step closer to your green card and your future in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Premium Processing → A USCIS service for faster petition decisions, guaranteeing responses within a set 45-day calendar period.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) → A green card category allowing self-petition for advanced degree professionals benefiting the U.S. national interest.
Form I-140 → Immigrant petition filed by eligible workers to request a green card under employment-based categories.
Form I-907 → Request form submitted alongside or after I-140 to obtain premium (expedited) processing service from USCIS.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → A USCIS request for additional documentation when initial petition evidence is insufficient or unclear.

This Article in a Nutshell

Premium processing expedites EB-2 NIW green card petitions to 45 days, enabling faster job starts and status adjustments. Costs $2,500 and requires Form I-907. Stricter USCIS scrutiny since 2025 means strong petitions and prompt evidence responses are essential to success.
— By VisaVerge.com