Would you like to get a work visa in the United States but are worried about how long it might take? There is an alternative to speed up the process: Premium Processing.
Premium Processing is an option that allows faster analysis for certain types of American visas. By paying an additional fee, usually 2,500 dollars, you can have your application analyzed within 15 calendar days. And the best part is that if the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is unable to complete the evaluation within the promised timeframe, the fee is refunded.
HOW DOES PREMIUM PROCESSING WORK?
According to USCIS guidelines, the 15-day period begins when the agency correctly receives the service request form (known as the I-907), which can be submitted together with the visa petition or separately. During this period, USCIS can approve the visa, request additional evidence (RFE), send a notice of intent to deny (NOID) or deny the visa.
If USCIS issues an RFE or NOID, you will have a period of time to respond to the questions. After receiving your answers, a new 15-day period begins in which the officers will make the final decision on whether to issue the visa.
For immigration visas, USCIS is more likely to complete the process in less than 15 days. For other types of visas, there may be delays, but the fee will be refunded if this occurs.
WHICH VISAS CAN BE PROCESSED WITH PREMIUM PROCESSING?
Non-immigrant visas eligible for Premium Processing include E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-2B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-15, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, R-1, TN-1 and TN-2. These visas are applied for using form I-129.
The immigration visas eligible for Premium Processing are EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3, which use form I-140.
It is important to note that Premium Processing does not increase the chances of selection in the H-1B, H-2B and some H-3 visa categories, which are generally granted by lottery due to the large number of applications.
HOW MUCH DOES PREMIUM PROCESSING COST?
The fee for Premium Processing varies depending on the type of visa:
E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L, O, P, Q, TN, EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 visas: 2,500 dollars.
H-2B and R visas: 1,500 dollars.
In addition, for EB-2 NIW and EB-1 visas for multinational executives, which have an extended review period of 45 days, the fee is 2,500 dollars. However, it is important to note that this service is not yet available at USCIS.
OTHER APPLICATIONS ELIGIBLE FOR EXPEDITED PROCESSING
In 2020, a law called the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act extended Premium Processing to other types of applications, in addition to visas. Now, the service can also be used for:
Change of status for F, J and M visas, with a maximum fee of 1,750 dollars and a deadline of 30 days.
Change of status for dependents on E, H, L, O, P and R visas, with a maximum fee of 1,750 dollars and a deadline of 30 days.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications, with a maximum fee of 1,500 dollars and a deadline of 30 days.
Other specific cases deemed appropriate to receive this benefit.
Are you ready to speed up your visa process with Premium Processing? Count on Xplore Immigration Law to guide you every step of the way! Contact us now for assistance from immigration experts.
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