Key Takeaways
• USCIS Premium Processing speeds decisions on select forms like I-129, I-140, I-765, and I-539 within set business days.
• Fees for Premium Processing increased in 2024: $1,685 for some I-129 categories, $2,805 for others, with refunds if delayed.
• Since June 2023, more applicants including students and religious workers became eligible for faster processing via Form I-907.
For many people and employers dealing with the United States 🇺🇸 immigration system, waiting for a decision on a visa or work petition can be stressful and time-consuming. The Premium Processing Service, offered by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), gives applicants a way to speed up this process for certain forms. This service is especially important for those who need quick answers for work, school, or family reasons. Here, you’ll find a full overview of the Premium Processing Service journey, including step-by-step instructions, what to expect at each stage, and practical tips to help you decide if this service is right for you.
Understanding how Premium Processing works can help you make better choices and avoid common mistakes. This guide will walk you through the process, from deciding whether to use Premium Processing, to filing the right forms, to what happens after you apply. You’ll also learn about recent changes in fees, who can use the service, and what to do if things don’t go as planned.
What is Premium Processing Service?
Premium Processing Service is an optional, paid service provided by USCIS. It allows certain immigration petitions and applications to be processed much faster than normal. When you pay the Premium Processing fee, USCIS promises to take action on your case within a set number of business days. This action could be an approval, a denial, a request for more evidence (called an RFE), or a notice that they plan to deny the case (NOID).
The main forms eligible for Premium Processing Service are:
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): Used by employers to sponsor workers for temporary jobs in the United States 🇺🇸, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, and R-1 visas.
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): Used for employment-based green card petitions.
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): Used by people who want permission to work in the United States 🇺🇸 while waiting for another immigration decision.
- Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status): Used by people who want to extend their stay or change their visa type, such as students and exchange visitors.
Premium Processing does not guarantee that your petition will be approved. It only guarantees that USCIS will make a decision or take another action within the promised time. If they do not meet the deadline, they will refund your Premium Processing fee.
Step 1: Deciding Whether to Use Premium Processing
The first step is to decide if Premium Processing Service is right for your situation. Consider these questions:
- Do you need a decision quickly? If you have a job offer that starts soon, a travel deadline, or another urgent reason, Premium Processing can help.
- Is your form eligible? Not all immigration forms can use Premium Processing. Check if your form is on the list above.
- Can you afford the fee? Premium Processing fees are high and have recently increased. Make sure you understand the cost before applying.
- Are you prepared for possible requests for more evidence? Even with Premium Processing, USCIS may ask for more documents, which can delay the final decision.
If you answer “yes” to most of these questions, Premium Processing may be a good choice.
Step 2: Checking Processing Time Guarantees
USCIS promises to process Premium Processing requests within a set number of business days, depending on the form:
- 15 business days for most Form I-129 and I-140 petitions.
- 30 business days for Form I-765 and Form I-539 (for certain student and exchange visitor categories like F-1, J-1, M-1).
- 45 business days for some I-140 categories, such as multinational executives (E13) and national interest waivers (E21 NIW).
If USCIS does not meet these deadlines, they will refund your Premium Processing fee. However, the “clock” stops if they ask you for more evidence (an RFE or NOID). The clock starts again when you send in the requested documents.
Step 3: Understanding the Fees
Premium Processing Service is not cheap. As of February 26, 2024, the fees increased:
- Form I-129 (H-2B, R-1): $1,685 (up from $1,500)
- Form I-129 (H-1B, L-1A, O-1, and others): $2,805 (up from $2,500)
- Form I-140: Fees increased, but the exact amount depends on the subcategory.
These fee increases are part of USCIS’s plan to cover its costs and improve service. In 2025, USCIS expects to collect about $1.485 billion from Premium Processing fees alone.
Before you apply, check the current fee for your form on the official USCIS Premium Processing page. Fees can change, so always confirm before sending your payment.
Step 4: Confirming Eligibility and Recent Expansions
USCIS has expanded Premium Processing eligibility in recent years. Since June 2023, more people can use this service, including:
- Students and exchange visitors applying for F, M, or J status (such as F-1 students or J-1 exchange visitors).
- Religious worker petitions (R-1) no longer need to complete an on-site inspection before using Premium Processing.
If you’re not sure if your case qualifies, check the eligibility details on the official USCIS website or talk to an immigration lawyer.
Step 5: Preparing Your Application
To request Premium Processing, you must file Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service). You can file Form I-907 at the same time as your main petition (such as Form I-129 or Form I-140), or you can file it later if your petition is still pending.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Download the latest version of Form I-907 from the official USCIS page.
- Complete the form carefully. Make sure all information matches your main petition.
- Include the correct fee. Use a separate check or money order for the Premium Processing fee.
- Submit only one Form I-907 per eligible petition. Filing more than one can cause delays.
- For concurrent filings: If you are filing more than one eligible form (for example, Form I-140 and Form I-765), you must submit a separate Form I-907 and fee for each form.
If you are upgrading a pending case to Premium Processing, send Form I-907 to the address listed for your main petition. Always check the latest filing addresses on the USCIS website.
Step 6: Submitting Your Application
Once you have completed Form I-907 and your main petition (such as Form I-129), you can submit them together or separately (if your main petition is already pending). Here’s what happens next:
- USCIS receives your application. You will get a receipt notice for each form.
- The Premium Processing clock starts. The countdown begins when USCIS receives both the main petition and Form I-907 with the correct fee.
- USCIS reviews your case. They may approve, deny, or ask for more evidence (RFE or NOID).
- If USCIS asks for more evidence: The Premium Processing clock stops. You must respond by the deadline. Once you respond, the clock starts again.
- USCIS makes a final decision. You will receive a written notice of the decision.
Step 7: What to Expect After Filing
After you submit your Premium Processing request, here’s what you can expect:
- Fast response: Most people get a decision or other action within the promised time (15, 30, or 45 business days).
- Possible requests for more evidence: If USCIS needs more information, they will send an RFE or NOID. Respond quickly to avoid delays.
- Refund if delayed: If USCIS does not act within the promised time, they will refund your Premium Processing fee.
- No guarantee of approval: Premium Processing only speeds up the process. It does not make your case more likely to be approved.
If your case is approved, you can move forward with your plans—such as starting a new job or changing your status. If your case is denied, you will receive a letter explaining why and what options you may have.
Recent Usage Trends and What They Mean
Premium Processing is very popular, especially for employment-based petitions. From January to March 2025, USCIS received about 129,514 Premium Processing requests:
- Form I-129: 88,295 requests
- Form I-140: 29,507 requests
- Form I-765: 9,633 requests
- Form I-539: 2,079 requests
This high demand shows that many people and employers value faster decisions, even with the higher fees. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the continued growth in Premium Processing requests reflects both the need for speed in hiring and the uncertainty many face in the regular immigration process.
Practical Tips and Common Questions
- Can I use Premium Processing for family-based petitions? No, Premium Processing is only available for certain employment-based forms and some student/exchange visitor categories.
- What if my case is already pending? You can “upgrade” a pending case by filing Form I-907 and paying the fee.
- Can Premium Processing be used for all visa types? No, only certain visa types and categories are eligible. Always check the latest eligibility list.
- Does Premium Processing guarantee approval? No, it only guarantees a faster decision.
- What if USCIS asks for more evidence? Respond as quickly as possible. The Premium Processing clock will restart when you send in the requested documents.
Benefits and Challenges
For employers and workers: Premium Processing can be a game-changer. It allows employers to make hiring decisions faster and helps workers start their jobs sooner. For example, an H-1B worker can get approval in just 15 business days instead of waiting months.
For immigrants: The service reduces the stress of waiting and helps people plan their lives better. Students, for example, can get work authorization or status changes quickly, which is important for school and job opportunities.
Policy outlook: USCIS is working to expand Premium Processing to more categories and adjust fees to cover costs. While this helps many people, the high fees can be a burden for some. Also, Premium Processing does not fix backlogs in other parts of the immigration system.
Challenges: The main challenge is the cost. Not everyone can afford the higher fees, especially after the recent increases. Also, even with Premium Processing, you may still face delays if USCIS asks for more evidence or if there are other problems with your case.
What to Do If You Have Problems
If you have questions or problems with your Premium Processing request, you can:
- Call USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283.
- Check your case status online using your receipt number.
- Visit the USCIS Premium Processing Information page for the latest updates and instructions.
- If you receive a denial or RFE, consider talking to an immigration lawyer for advice.
Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps
- Check if your form is eligible for Premium Processing before applying.
- Download and complete Form I-907 from the official USCIS website.
- Prepare the correct fee and make sure your forms are filled out correctly.
- Submit your application to the right address and keep copies of everything.
- Respond quickly if USCIS asks for more evidence.
- Monitor your case status online and keep track of deadlines.
For more detailed information, always refer to the official USCIS Premium Processing page, which provides the most up-to-date instructions and eligibility lists.
Final Thoughts
Premium Processing Service can be a helpful tool for those who need fast decisions from USCIS, especially for work and student visas. While it comes with a high price, the peace of mind and ability to plan ahead are worth it for many people and employers. Remember, Premium Processing only speeds up the process—it does not change the outcome or guarantee approval. Always check the latest rules, fees, and eligibility before applying, and consider talking to a professional if you have questions about your case.
By following the steps in this guide, you can make the most of the Premium Processing Service and avoid common mistakes. Stay informed, act quickly, and use official resources to help your immigration journey go as smoothly as possible.
Learn Today
Premium Processing Service → An optional paid USCIS service accelerating immigration petition decisions within guaranteed timeframes.
Form I-129 → Petition employers file for nonimmigrant temporary worker visas like H-1B, L-1, O-1, and R-1.
Request for Evidence (RFE) → A USCIS notice asking for additional documentation that can pause the premium processing time.
Form I-907 → Request form filed to ask USCIS for Premium Processing service on eligible petitions.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) → A USCIS notification signaling intention to deny, giving applicants chance to respond.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS offers Premium Processing Service to speed up visa and work petitions. Pay extra for faster decisions, usually within 15 to 45 business days. Eligibility includes key forms like I-129 and I-140. The service helps people start jobs or change status quickly but does not guarantee approval.
— By VisaVerge.com
