✨ Accelerating Your Immigration Process: Expansion of USCIS Premium Processing in 2025
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- May 30
- 2 min read
What is Premium Processing?
Premium Processing is a service offered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows applicants to expedite the processing of certain immigration petitions in exchange for an additional fee. With this service, USCIS commits to making a decision on the application within a specific timeframe, providing greater certainty and speed to the immigration process.
New: Premium Processing Expansion in 2025
In 2025, USCIS has significantly expanded the availability of Premium Processing to include a wider range of forms and categories. The eligible petitions are detailed below:
Form I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
This form is used by employers to request classification for nonimmigrant workers in various categories, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, among others. Premium Processing for Form I-129 allows for a decision within 15 calendar days.
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
Form I-140 is used to apply for employment-based permanent residency. The following categories are eligible for Premium Processing:
EB-1: Multinational executives and managers.
EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, including those applying for a National Interest Waiver (NIW).
The processing time for these petitions is 45 business days.
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-765 allows certain nonimmigrants to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The following categories are eligible for Premium Processing:
F-1: Students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) before or after completing their studies.
F-1: Students applying for a 24-month STEM OPT extension (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields).
The processing time for these applications is 30 business days.
Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Form I-539 is used by certain nonimmigrants to extend their stay or change their status. The following categories are eligible for Premium Processing:
F-1/F-2: Academic students and their dependents.
M-1/M-2: Vocational students and their dependents.
J-1/J-2: Exchange visitors and their dependents.
The processing time for these applications is 30 business days.
Updated Premium Processing Fees
Effective February 26, 2024, USCIS adjusted Premium Processing fees to reflect inflation. The current fees are:
Form I-129 and I-140: $2,805
Form I-765: $1,685
Form I-539: $1,965
It's important to note that these fees are subject to change, and it's advisable to check the current fees on the official USCIS website.
How to Apply for Premium Processing
To apply for Premium Processing, you must file Form I-907 either along with the main application or separately if it's already pending. It's crucial to ensure that your application category is eligible for this service before filing Form I-907.
Additionally, remember that Premium Processing does not guarantee approval of the application; it simply ensures a decision within the established timeframe.
How Can We Help You?
At De Maio Law, we understand the importance of an efficient and smooth immigration process. Our team of experts is ready to advise you on eligibility and the Premium Processing procedure, ensuring your application is filed correctly and in a timely manner.
📞 Contact us today at (786) 232-9120 to schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you accelerate your immigration process.
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