Timelines and Fees for Premium Processing
When a foreign national is applying for employment-based immigration, it is sometimes necessary to expedite the process so they can enter the United States faster. In these instances, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers premium processing to help with these situations. Premium processing can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to process a foreign national’s application but many people do not understand exactly how it works. Below, our Atlanta employment based immigration lawyer outlines the timelines and fees involved.
Understanding Premium Processing
Premium processing is a service offered by USCIS that can help shorten the amount of time it takes to process certain green cards and visas for applicants. The timeline can be shortened to 15, 30, or 45 business days. While premium processing seems fairly straightforward, it is important to know the stipulations and conditions involved. Although not all visas are eligible for premium processing, most visas that require an I-140 or I-129 are.
Timelines for Premium Processing
The amount of time premium processing takes depends on the form you use to apply. The timelines are as follows:
- 15 business days: The majority of Form I-140 and Form I-129 petitions are processed within 15 business days.
- 30 business days: F-1 students using Form I-765 to seek an extension and applicants requesting a change of status using Form I-539 can expect their application to be processed within 30 business days.
- 45 business days: Individuals applying for an EB-1 or EB-2 visa using Form I-140 can expect their application to be processed within 45 business days.
Fees for Premium Processing
Just as the timelines for premium processing differ depending on the type of visa you are applying for and as such, the form you are using, the fees are also dependent on these same factors. The fees for premium processing are as follows:
- $2,805: The majority of applications for premium processing, including H-1B, E, L, and more cost $2,805 in processing fees. If you are using Form I-129 or Form I-140, this is likely the fee you will have to pay.
- $1,965: There are certain nonimmigrant classifications such as F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, and M-2 that are subject to a processing fee of $1,965.
- $1,685: Certain students using Form I-765 may pay a $1,685 processing fee.
It is important to note that the premium processing fee for any classification or type of visa is subject to change. It is critical to speak to an Atlanta employment based immigration lawyer that can advise you on the current fee structure.
Our Employment Based Immigration Lawyer in Atlanta Can Provide the Legal Advice You Need
While premium processing is available for many different immigration applications, understanding the process and obtaining a favorable outcome is not always as straightforward as it seems. It is important that you obtain sound legal advice and our Atlanta employment based immigration lawyer can provide it. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611.
Serving clients in Atlanta, Moultrie, and Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN.
Source:
travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/employment-based-immigrant-visas.html
