Given the substantial backlogs with processing visa applications at U.S. Consulates worldwide due to COVID-19 global pandemic, many people are wondering if they can pay a Premium Processing fee to expedite their visa petition to the Consulate.
What is the Premium Processing Fee?
This is a fee (currently $2,500) that is paid to USCIS and it means that USCIS will make a decision on your petition (approval, denial, or Request for evidence) within 15 calendar days. The Premium Processing fee is available for certain types of petitions such as E-2 , E-1 , H-1B , L-1 , O-1 , or TN. If you want USCIS to adjudicate your case in 15 days, you will need to submit Form I-907 and pay the $2,500 filing fee.
Can I pay the Premium Processing Fee at a Consulate?
Unfortunately, no. Consulates do not offer premium processing service like USCIS does, and therefore it’s not possible to pay this fee and have the case adjudicated at a Consulate in 15 days.
Is there any other way how I can get my case expedited at a U.S. Consulate?
Yes, you can file an expedite request at a Consulate. However, the requirements on how someone can qualify for the expedite request are quite narrow, so not everyone will qualify. Please see our blog post on expediting your Consular petition here.
