U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new measures to expand premium processing and reduce the visa backlogs and wait times. The new premium processing rules, announced on March 29, go into effect on May 31, 2022. Premium processing allows immigration applicants to have their applications reviewed more quickly by paying an extra fee to expedite their applications. Prior to the pandemic, USCIS was already experiencing long wait times and backlogs.
Premium processing is currently only available for H-1 work permit applications and some employment-based green cards. According to USCIS data, about 2 million people apply for new or renewed work permits each year, and the process typically takes five to seven months.
More Employment-Based Green Card Applications
The rule will allow new I-140 EB-1c, EB-2 and NIW applicants to pay a premium processing fee of $2,500 to have their cases reviewed within 45 days and will extend premium processing to applications for an employment authorization document (EAD)
All Work Permit Petitions
New I-539s for F, J, M, E, H, L, O, P and R visas will be reviewed within 30 days for a $1750 premium processing fee
Temporary Immigration Status Extension Requests
New I-765 applications will be reviewed within 30 days for a $1500 premium processing fee
According to the announcement, premium processing will expand gradually, and start 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.
A senior USCIS official said the phased implementation will ensure other applications are not delayed by the premium processing expansion:
“We can’t just shift all our resources to premium filers, while everybody else suffers.”
The attorneys at Godoy Law Office work with you to evaluate your immigration status and guide you in your journey to achieving the American Dream. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 630-912-0322.
AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will and Lake Counties
