Premium Processing Available for Certain Applications

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the plan to expand the number of applicants who can pay extra fees to have their immigration petitions expedited more quickly, a rule that would provide relief to immigrants waiting for work permit renewals.

The new measure:

USCIS's new measure is the rule to expand "premium processing," which allows certain applicants to pay $2,500 in extra fees to have their cases reviewed on an expedited basis. Currently, the service is limited to certain applications, including H-1B petitions and some employment-based green card requests.

The rule, set to take effect in 60 days, will expand premium processing to additional employment-based green card applications, all work permit petitions and temporary immigration status extension requests, allowing applicants to pay $2,500 to have their cases adjudicated within 45 days.

Premium processing will expand gradually, starting with work-based green card petitions for multinational executives or managers and professionals with advanced degrees or "exceptional ability" who are requesting a waiver that allows them to immigrate to the U.S. without having a job offer, which is typically required.

If you think you might be eligible for an expedited application, contact us today.