What Is Premium Processing?
Premium Processing is a USCIS service that expedites the review of certain immigration petitions for an additional fee. It guarantees action—approval, denial, or a Request for Evidence (RFE)—within a set timeframe, typically 15 to 45 calendar days, depending on the form. To request Premium Processing, applicants must file Form I-907 along with the appropriate fee.
This service is ideal for applicants who are facing tight job start dates, expiring statuses, or urgent immigration timelines. It does not increase your chances of approval, but it does reduce the waiting period significantly.
Which Forms Qualify for Premium Processing?
Not all immigration forms are eligible for premium processing. As of 2025, USCIS allows Form I-907 to be used with a select list of forms—mainly those related to employment-based immigration and certain student applications. Below are the forms that currently qualify for premium processing:
| Form | Purpose |
| Form I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (e.g., H-1B, L-1, O-1 visas) |
| Form I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (employment-based green card) |
| Form I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization (limited to certain F-1 students) |
| Form I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (limited to certain visa holders and dependents) |
USCIS is gradually expanding premium processing eligibility for Forms I-765 and I-539 through a phased rollout. Be sure to check whether your visa category and filing date are currently eligible.
You must also submit Form I-907 along with your eligible petition—or file it later to upgrade—if you want USCIS to expedite processing.
Who Can Use Premium Processing?
Even if your form qualifies for premium processing, not everyone can use it immediately. Eligibility depends on your visa type, application category, and whether you’re filing as a primary applicant or dependent.
Here are some key eligibility rules for 2025:
- Form I-129: Most work visa categories (like H-1B, L-1, and O-1) are eligible.
- Form I-140: All employment-based categories currently qualify.
- Form I-765: Only available to F-1 students applying for:
- Pre-completion OPT
- Post-completion OPT
- STEM OPT extensions
- Form I-539: Limited to certain F, M, and J nonimmigrants (and in some cases, their dependents), depending on USCIS phase-in dates.
If you are unsure whether your case qualifies, check the USCIS premium processing page or consult an immigration attorney before filing Form I-907.
When Should You File Form I-907?
You might want to request premium processing by filing Form I-907 if time is critical for your immigration case. For example, premium processing may be helpful if:
- You have a job offer and need a decision quickly
- A delay could affect your travel plans or legal status
- You are facing a tight deadline that requires a faster response from USCIS
If you’re not in a hurry, it may be better to use regular processing, which costs less and still works well for many people.
Important: Premium processing gives you a faster decision, but it does not guarantee approval of your application.
Form I-907 Premium Processing Timelines
Here’s how quickly USCIS will act on your case once Premium Processing begins:
| Form | Guaranteed USCIS Action Time |
| Form I-765 | 30 business days |
| Form I-539 | 30 business days |
| Form I-140 | 45 business days |
| Form I-129 | 15 business days |
You can check the USCIS premium processing timeline for complete charts and categories.
What Happens If USCIS Doesn’t Process on Time?
When you pay for premium processing, USCIS promises to process your case within 15 to 45 calendar days, depending on the form. If they miss the deadline, you get something in return:
- USCIS will refund the premium processing fee (currently $2,805)
- They will still continue to process your application as quickly as possible
Note: Only the premium processing fee is refunded. The regular filing fee for your immigration form has not been refunded.
This refund guarantee is one reason why many people choose premium processing when they need faster results.
Premium Processing Fees (2025)
Starting February 26, 2024, USCIS has raised the Premium Processing cost for Form I-907 to keep up with inflation. The new fees now range from $1,685 to $2,805, depending on the type of form. If you send the wrong fee after this date, USCIS will reject your form and send your payment back. This fee increase will help USCIS speed up processing times, reduce delays, and improve services for applicants. Here are the latest fees:
| Form | Paper Filing Fee | Online Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 H-1B nonimmigrant | $2,805 | $2,805 |
| Form I-129 E-1, E-2, E-3, H-3, L1 (including Blanket L-1), O, P, Q, or TN nonimmigrant | $2,805 | NA |
| Form I-129 H-2B or R nonimmigrant | $1,685 | NA |
| Form I-140 EB-1 (E11, E12, E13), EB-2 (E21 NIW, E21 non-NIW), or EB-3 (E31, E32, EW3) immigrant classification | $2,805 | NA |
| Form I-539 F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, or M-2 nonimmigrant | $1,965 | $1,965 |
| Form I-765 | $1,685 | $1,685 |
Reminder: These fees are in addition to the regular filing fee for the base form, which is submitted separately from other filing fees.
How to File Form I-907 (Premium Processing Request)
If you want to speed up your USCIS application using Premium Processing, you’ll need to file Form I-907. Here’s how the process works:
1. Fill Out Form I-907
Start by completing Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. Make sure all information is accurate — especially your name, the type of form you’re requesting faster service for (like Form I-129 or I-140), and the USCIS office handling your case.
2. Gather Required Documents
Include a copy of the receipt notice (Form I-797) from your main immigration petition. This helps USCIS match your Premium Processing request to the correct case.
3. Pay the Filing Fee
The Premium Processing fee is $2,805 (as of 2025). You can pay by check, money order (made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”), or by credit card using Form G-1450.
4. Send Your Application to the Right Address
Mail Form I-907, the fee, and any supporting documents to the correct USCIS address. The address depends on the form you’re upgrading and where it was originally filed. Always double-check on the USCIS website for the latest mailing info.
5. Get a Receipt and Wait
Once USCIS receives your request, they’ll send you a receipt notice. You can use the receipt number to track your case online. USCIS promises to process your request within 15 calendar days.
How to Track Premium Processing Status
Once you submit Form I-907 for premium processing, you’ll get a receipt notice from USCIS with a unique receipt number. You can use this number to check the status of your case online.
Steps to Track Your Case:
- Go to the USCIS Case Status Tool
Visit: USCIS Case Status Page - Enter Your Receipt Number
This is a 13-character number that starts with three letters (like LIN, WAC, EAC, or SRC). - View Updates
The page will show your case status, such as “Received,” “In Process,” “Approved,” or “RFE Sent.”
Optional: Get Automatic Updates
You can also sign up for email or text alerts about your case status on the same page.
Tip: USCIS updates premium processing cases frequently, so you’ll usually see progress quickly.
Final Thoughts on Premium Processing
Premium Processing can be a game-changer for those who need fast USCIS results. Whether you’re applying for a work visa or want to upgrade a pending case, this service offers a guaranteed response within 15 to 45 calendar days. While it doesn’t boost your chances of approval, it does give you peace of mind and planning certainty.
If you’re eligible and time is critical, consider filing Form I-907 to request Premium Processing. Be sure to check the latest USCIS guidelines before you apply, and act quickly to avoid delays.
