USCIS Premium Processing: All the Details for Those Considering to File

Waiting a long time to hear back from USCIS is stressful, especially when your job or travel plans depend on a quick decision. Premium processing is a paid service that gives you a faster answer on certain immigration applications. This article covers what premium processing is, how it works, and what you need to file.

What Is USCIS Premium Processing?

USCIS premium processing is an optional service that speeds up the review of certain immigration petitions and applications. By paying an extra fee, you receive a guaranteed decision within a set number of business days, usually 15, 30, or 45 depending on the form type. According to the official USCIS premium processing page, it is available for employment-based petitions like Form I-129 (for work visas such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1), Form I-140 (for immigrant worker petitions), and certain Form I-539 and Form I-765 applications.

It is important to understand that premium processing does not guarantee approval. USCIS promises to take action on your case within the stated timeframe. That action can be an approval, a denial, a request for more evidence (RFE), or a notice of intent to deny (NOID). If USCIS does not act in time, they will refund your premium processing fee but continue working on your case at regular speed.

What Differs From Regular Processing?

The main difference between premium and regular processing is the guaranteed timeline. Regular processing has no set deadline, meaning your case could take anywhere from 2 to 14 months. Premium processing guarantees that USCIS will respond within 15, 30, or 45 business days.

As of March 1, 2026, the extra fee ranges from $1,780 to $2,965 depending on which form you are filing. According to the Federal Register final rule, premium processing does not change your chances of approval; it only affects how quickly you receive a decision.

Form I-907: The Document You’ll Need

To request premium processing, you must submit Form I-907 (“Request for Premium Processing Service”). You can file this form together with your main petition or separately after you have already submitted your petition while it is still pending.

When filing Form I-907, you need to provide your name, the type of form you want expedited, and the receipt number (if you already filed your main application). The form requires a handwritten signature. You must also pay the premium processing fee separately from your main application fee. Make sure you use the current edition of Form I-907 (check the date at the bottom of the form), complete all required sections, and include the correct fee amount. If any information is missing or incorrect, USCIS will reject your request and return your fee. You can file Form I-907 online through your USCIS account or by mail.

Who Is Eligible?

Premium processing is only available for specific visa categories and form types designated by USCIS. Generally, it covers most employment-based immigration petitions, including temporary work visas and some green card applications. Before you pay the extra fee, confirm that your specific visa classification and form type qualify.

Eligible Visa Categories (H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1/E-2, TN, and More)

For Form I-129, eligible categories include H-1B (specialty occupation workers), L-1A and L-1B (intracompany transferees), O-1 (extraordinary ability), E-1 and E-2 (treaty traders and investors), TN (professionals from Canada and Mexico under USMCA), P-1/P-2/P-3 (athletes, artists, entertainers), and R-1 (religious workers). According to the USCIS premium processing eligibility page, eligible I-129 classifications also include E-3, H-2B, H-3, O-2, and Q-1 visa types.

For Form I-140 green card petitions, premium processing covers EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including National Interest Waiver cases), and EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals). Eligibility can change, and USCIS may temporarily suspend premium processing for certain categories during high-volume periods. Always check the official USCIS website before filing.

Eligible Form Types (I-129, I-140, I-539, I-765)

Four main USCIS forms are designated for premium processing, each with different processing timeframes and fees.

Not all classifications within these forms qualify. Verify that your specific category is listed on the USCIS premium processing eligibility page before submitting Form I-907.

Special Considerations for F-1 Students (OPT and STEM OPT)

F-1 students seeking work authorization through OPT or STEM OPT extensions can request premium processing for their Form I-765 applications. According to the USCIS announcement, this option was phased in beginning March 6, 2023, with full availability from April 3, 2023. It offers a 30 business day processing guarantee. The premium processing fee for these applications is $1,780 as of March 1, 2026, which the student must pay themselves.

Before choosing premium processing, consider whether the extra cost is necessary. If your OPT application is filed well in advance and you have no urgent job start date, regular processing may be enough. Premium processing is most valuable if you have a confirmed job offer with a specific start date, need your EAD for travel, or are approaching the end of your post-completion OPT period. Keep in mind that even with premium processing, your physical EAD card may take an additional two weeks to arrive after approval.

How Much Does Premium Processing Cost? (2026 Fee Update)

Premium processing fees vary depending on which form you are filing, and these fees increased on March 1, 2026. According to the USCIS fee increase announcement, the cost now ranges from $1,780 to $2,965, paid in addition to your regular filing fees. USCIS will reject any Form I-907 submitted with an incorrect payment amount.

Current Premium Processing Fees by Form Type

The fee depends on which underlying form you are requesting expedited service for. See the table in the “Eligible Form Types” section above for a full breakdown of current fees effective March 1, 2026. These fees are separate from and in addition to the standard filing fees for each form. For example, if you file an H-1B petition with premium processing, you will pay both the I-129 filing fee and the $2,965 premium processing fee. Fees must be paid separately: one payment for your main application and another for Form I-907. USCIS accepts credit cards, debit cards, and direct bank transfers for paper filings, or you can pay through Pay.gov when filing online.

The March 2026 Fee Increase: What Changed and Why

On January 9, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security announced a fee increase for premium processing, effective March 1, 2026. According to the Federal Register final rule published on January 12, 2026, for Form I-129 and I-140 petitions, the fee rose from $2,805 to $2,965 (an increase of $160). For Form I-539, the fee rose from $1,965 to $2,075 (an increase of $110), and for Form I-765, it rose from $1,685 to $1,780 (an increase of $95). This adjustment was made under the USCIS Stabilization Act, which allows the agency to update premium processing fees every two years to account for inflation.

If you submit a Form I-907 postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must include the new fee amount. USCIS will reject any request with the old fee, which can cause significant delays. Always verify the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule page before submitting your application.

Who Pays the Fee: Employer vs. Applicant Responsibilities

For employer-sponsored petitions like H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas filed through Form I-129, the employer typically pays the premium processing fee, especially when the employer needs the worker to start quickly. However, if the employee requests premium processing for personal reasons (such as travel), the employee can pay the fee themselves.

For Form I-765 applications (like OPT for F-1 students), the applicant is responsible for the fee since it is an individual benefit. In Form I-140 green card cases, either the employer or the beneficiary may pay, depending on company policy. Discuss payment responsibility with your employer or attorney before filing.

Premium Processing Timeline

Understanding how premium processing timelines work helps you plan accurately. The processing clock is measured in business days, not calendar days, which means the actual waiting time is longer than you might expect.

Business Days vs. Calendar Days

Since April 1, 2024, USCIS measures premium processing timelines in business days rather than calendar days. According to the USCIS final fee rule published January 31, 2024, business days exclude weekends and federal holidays.

When planning around important dates like job start dates or travel, remember to calculate using business days and account for any federal holidays within your processing window.

When the Processing Clock Starts

The premium processing clock does not start when you mail your application or when USCIS receives it at their mailroom. According to 8 CFR 106.4, it begins when USCIS formally accepts your properly filed Form I-907 at the correct filing location. For your request to be considered “properly filed,” it must include all required information, a valid handwritten signature, and the correct filing fee.

If you file online, you will receive immediate confirmation and the clock starts right away. For paper filings, there is typically a delay of several days. USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797) confirming acceptance, and the date on this receipt is when your processing clock officially begins. If your Form I-907 is incomplete or contains errors, USCIS will reject it and the clock never starts.

What Happens If USCIS Misses the Deadline?

If USCIS fails to take action within the guaranteed timeframe, they will refund your premium processing fee. However, your case will then proceed at regular processing speed with no further timeline guarantee.

The term “take action” means USCIS has fulfilled their obligation if they issue any of the following within the deadline: an approval notice, a denial notice, an RFE, a NOID, or an investigation for fraud. Receiving an RFE counts as taking action, even though your case is not yet decided. When USCIS issues an RFE or NOID, the premium processing clock stops completely. After you submit your response, a new premium processing period begins.

How to File for Premium Processing: Step-by-Step

Filing for premium processing requires careful attention to detail to avoid rejections and delays. You can submit your Form I-907 either online or by mail.

Step 1: Choose Online vs. Mail

To file online, create or log into your USCIS account at myUSCIS, complete Form I-907 electronically, and pay through Pay.gov. Online filing is available for most premium processing requests and provides immediate confirmation, meaning your processing clock starts sooner.

Paper filing by mail is required in some situations. When mailing your form, use the correct direct filing address for your petition type, include all required documents, and consider using a trackable delivery service. According to the Form I-907 instructions on the USCIS website, if you are represented by an attorney who previously filed a Form G-28, they may need to file a new one when submitting the online I-907.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

If you are filing Form I-907 at the same time as your main petition (concurrent filing), include your completed and signed Form I-907, the premium processing fee payment (separate from your main petition fee), and your complete underlying petition package with all supporting documents.

If you are upgrading a pending case, you need Form I-907, the premium processing fee, and a copy of your Form I-797 receipt notice. For paper filings, payment can be made by credit card (Form G-1450), debit card, or direct bank transfer (Form G-1650). USCIS no longer accepts personal checks, business checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks unless you qualify for a specific exemption. If an attorney is filing on your behalf, include Form G-28 if one has not already been filed.

Step 3: Send to the Correct Filing Address

Where you mail your Form I-907 depends on which underlying form you are requesting premium processing for. Sending your application to the wrong address can cause significant delays or rejection. Always verify the correct address on the USCIS direct filing addresses page before mailing.

For Form I-129 petitions, send Form I-907 to the same service center address where you file the I-129 itself. For Form I-765 (OPT applications), F-1 students typically mail to the Potomac Service Center address. For Form I-539 (change of status), applicants send their forms to the Elgin Lockbox. Because filing addresses change periodically, always check the official USCIS Form I-907 webpage immediately before submitting.

What to Do If Your Premium Processing Case Receives an RFE or Denial

Receiving an RFE or denial does not mean your case is over. An RFE is simply USCIS asking for more information, while a denial may still have options for appeal or resubmission.

How an RFE Affects the Timeline

When USCIS issues an RFE, the processing clock stops immediately. This pause remains until USCIS receives your complete response. Once they receive it, a brand new premium processing period begins with another full 15, 30, or 45 business days.

This means cases with RFEs take significantly longer than the initial timeframe. For example, an H-1B petition with a 15 business day premium processing period could take two months or longer if an RFE is issued. However, this is still considerably faster than regular processing, where RFE responses can wait months for adjudication.

Responding to an RFE

Read the RFE carefully to understand exactly what additional evidence USCIS is requesting. The notice will specify a deadline, typically 30 to 90 days. Missing this deadline can result in denial, so begin gathering the requested materials immediately.

Your response should directly address each point raised in the RFE. Include a cover letter that references your receipt number and explains how each piece of evidence responds to the specific concerns. Avoid submitting unrelated documents. Submit your response well before the deadline if possible, as this restarts your premium processing clock sooner. Send it to the address specified in the RFE notice.

Refund Eligibility

Premium processing fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is denied or if USCIS requests additional evidence. Since issuing an RFE, NOID, approval, or denial all count as “taking action,” receiving any of these means USCIS has fulfilled their obligation.

The only situation where you are entitled to a refund is if USCIS does not issue any response within the applicable business day deadline. In that case, USCIS will automatically refund your fee, though they will continue working on your case at regular speed. If you believe you are entitled to a refund, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center or submit an inquiry through the USCIS e-Request system.

Tracking Your Premium Processing Case: Status Updates and Next Steps

After filing for premium processing, you can monitor your case status online. USCIS provides a case status tool that shows where your application is in the review process.

Understanding USCIS Case Status Messages

You can check your case status anytime by entering your receipt number at the USCIS Case Status Online tool or by logging into your USCIS online account. Common status messages include:

Pay close attention to the dates associated with each status update, as these help you track whether USCIS is meeting the guaranteed timeline.

What to Do If Your Case Is Stuck or Delayed

If your premium processing case has exceeded the guaranteed timeframe, first verify that the deadline has actually passed by counting business days (excluding weekends and federal holidays) from the date USCIS accepted your Form I-907, not from when you mailed it.

If the deadline has passed with no response, you can submit an e-Request inquiry through the USCIS website, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283, or request assistance from your local congressional representative’s office. Keep records of all your communications with USCIS, including dates of filing, receipt notices, and status updates.

How Government Shutdowns and Policy Changes Affect Premium Processing

USCIS can temporarily suspend premium processing during government shutdowns, periods of high application volume, or when implementing major policy changes.

Past Suspensions of Premium Processing and Their Impact

USCIS has suspended premium processing multiple times in the past, typically when the agency faces overwhelming case backlogs. One notable suspension occurred in 2017-2018, when USCIS temporarily halted premium processing for H-1B petitions for several months. During that period, employers and workers who relied on quick decisions faced delayed job start dates and complications with visa status transitions.

When suspensions happen, petitions already filed under premium processing may be refunded and converted to regular processing, or USCIS may honor existing requests while refusing new ones. The impact can be significant, so employers hiring international workers and individuals with time-sensitive needs should always have contingency plans.

How to Prepare for Potential Disruptions

Since premium processing availability can change without much advance notice, the best strategy is to file your petitions as early as possible rather than relying on premium processing to meet last-minute deadlines. Stay informed by regularly checking the official USCIS website and signing up for USCIS email alerts.

If you learn that a suspension may be coming, consider filing your request immediately before it takes effect. For employer-sponsored petitions, work with your immigration attorney to build timelines that do not depend entirely on premium processing. If you are an F-1 student applying for OPT, file your application well before your program end date. Having backup plans, such as extending current status or adjusting job start dates, can reduce stress if premium processing becomes unavailable.

FAQ

Q. Does Premium Processing Guarantee Approval?

A. No. It only guarantees that USCIS will take action on your case within a specific timeframe. That action could be an approval, denial, RFE, or NOID. Your approval chances remain exactly the same whether you use premium processing or regular processing.

Q. What Is the Difference between Premium Processing and Expedited Processing?

A. Premium processing is a paid service for specific employment-based forms (I-129, I-140, I-539, I-765) that guarantees a decision within a set number of business days. Expedited processing is a free request for urgent situations like severe financial loss or emergencies, but USCIS approves these only in rare cases and there is no guaranteed timeline. Premium processing is available to anyone who pays the fee for eligible petitions, while expedited processing requires proving exceptional circumstances.

Q. Can I Upgrade a Pending Case to Premium Processing?

A. Yes. File Form I-907 along with the premium processing fee and a copy of your Form I-797 receipt notice. Once USCIS receives your upgrade request, the premium processing clock begins. You cannot request premium processing for a case that has already been decided or reopened after an initial decision.

Conclusion

USCIS premium processing is a valuable option for applicants who need faster decisions on employment-based immigration petitions. While it does not increase your chances of approval, it provides timeline certainty that can be essential for meeting job start dates, travel plans, or visa expiration deadlines. Before filing, confirm your eligibility on the USCIS premium processing page, use the correct Form I-907 edition, include the accurate fee amount, and send your application to the proper filing address.