On April 4, 2022, USCIS announced expansion of premium processing. Premium processing is a service USCIS offers for a selection of applications. For an extra fee (usually $2500), USCIS will process the application in 15 days. Without premium processing, the normal processing times can take up to months.
Currently, premium processing is only available for Form I-129 applications and some Form I-140 applications. USCIS is now expanding this service to the following types of applications:
- Form I-539, Application to extend/change nonimmigrant status
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Additional classifications under Form I-140
USCIS announced today that it will begin introducing the first phase of premium processing expansions. At the current time, the premium processing service will only be offered to applications that are already pending. It is not at the moment available to new applications. The expansions will be staggered, at the following times:
| Application Type | For Applications Filed On | Premium Processing Starts | Cost |
| EB-1 Multinational Managers Form I-140 | On or before January 1, 2021 | June 1, 2022 | $2500 |
| EB-1 Multinational Managers Form I-140 | On or before March 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 | $2500 |
| EB-2 National Interest Waivers Form I-140 | On or before June 1, 2021 | July 1, 2022 | $2500 |
The processing time frame will be 45 days, provided that USCIS receives all prerequisites for adjudicating the case. This means that USCIS will not start counting the 45 days clock until it determines that it has received all necessary documentation and information from any necessary interviews, biometrics, or background checks, as appropriate to the case type. If a RFE or NOID is issued, a new 45 day clock will begin once USCIS receives the petitioner’s response to the RFE or NOID.
