What Is Premium Processing?
Premium Processing is a USCIS service that expedites the review of certain immigration petitions for an additional fee. It guarantees USCIS action—approval, denial, or a Request for Evidence (RFE)—within a specific timeframe assigned to each eligible form, ranging from 15 to 45 days, depending on the form type. To request Premium Processing, applicants must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, along with the appropriate fee.
This service is ideal for applicants who are facing tight job start dates, expiring immigration status, or urgent timelines. Premium Processing does not increase your chances of approval, but it does significantly reduce the waiting period for a decision.
Which Forms Qualify for Premium Processing?
Not all immigration forms are eligible for Premium Processing. As of 2025–2026, USCIS allows Form I-907 to be used with a limited list of forms, mainly related to employment-based immigration and certain student applications.
Below are the forms that currently qualify:
| Form | Purpose |
| Form I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker ( 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) |
Important: Premium Processing eligibility for Forms I-765 and I-539 depends on the applicant’s immigration classification and USCIS-announced phase-in dates. Filing Form I-907 does not guarantee acceptance if your category is not yet eligible.
You must submit Form I-907 either together with your eligible petition or later to upgrade a pending case.
Who Can Use Premium Processing?
Even if a form qualifies for Premium Processing, not every applicant can use it immediately. Eligibility depends on the visa type, application category, and whether the applicant is a principal applicant or dependent.
Eligibility rules for 2025–2026 include:
- Form I-129: Most employment-based nonimmigrant visa categories (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) are eligible.
- Form I-140: Most employment-based immigrant visa categories qualify, including EB-1, EB-2 (including NIW), and EB-3.
- Form I-765: Available only to eligible 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 dependents, based on USCIS phase-in schedules.
If you are unsure whether your case qualifies, check the USCIS premium processing announcements or consult an immigration attorney before filing Form I-907.
When Should You File Form I-907?
You may want to request Premium Processing if time is critical for your immigration case. This service may be helpful if:
- You have a job offer with a strict start date
- A delay could affect your legal status
- You are facing an urgent travel or employment deadline
If timing is not urgent, regular processing may be sufficient and more cost-effective.
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 |
Note: USCIS measures premium processing timelines in business days or calendar days, depending on the form. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE), the processing clock pauses until a complete response is received. For full details, and also see our USCIS Processing Times page to understand how long other forms may take without premium service.
What Happens If USCIS Doesn’t Process on Time?
If USCIS does not take action within the guaranteed Premium Processing timeframe:
- USCIS will refund the Premium Processing fee paid for your specific form category
- USCIS will continue processing your application as quickly as possible
Note: Only the premium processing fee is refunded. The regular filing fee for the underlying form is not refunded.
This refund guarantee is one reason many applicants choose Premium Processing when time is critical.
New Premium Processing Fee Update (Effective March 1, 2026)
USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have finalized a rule that will increase Premium Processing fees for most eligible immigration benefits starting March 1, 2026. This change reflects an inflation adjustment measured from June 2023 through June 2025 under the authority of the USCIS Stabilization Act.
If you submit a Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must include the updated fee for your specific benefit request. Requests filed with the old fee after this date may be rejected and returned, causing delays. (Source: USCIS)
| Form | Previous Filing Fee | New Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status | $1,685 | $1,780 |
| Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, all other available Form I-129 classifications: E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, TN-2 | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, employment-based classifications: E11, E12, E13, E21 (NIW and non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3 | $2,805 | $2,965 |
| Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting: F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, or M-2 nonimmigrant | $1,965 | $2,075 |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, for certain eligible applications (OPT and STEM-OPT Classifications) | $1,685 | $1,780 |
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: Fill out Form I-907 carefully, ensuring accuracy in names, receipt numbers, and the form you are upgrading.
2. Gather Required Documents: Include a copy of the Form I-797 receipt notice for the underlying petition or application.
3. Pay the Filing Fee: Pay the Premium Processing fee for your specific category. Incorrect fees will result in rejection.
4. Mail or File Online: Send Form I-907 to the correct USCIS address, which depends on the form type and whether you are filing concurrently or upgrading later.
5. Get a Receipt and Wait: After USCIS accepts Form I-907, it will process the request within the guaranteed timeframe assigned to the underlying form.
Where to File Form I-907
Filing locations depend on:
- Which USCIS form you’re requesting premium processing for (like Form I-129 or Form I-140), and
- Whether you are filing concurrently or separately
- Whether you file by mail or online
There is no single filing address for Form I-907. Always verify addresses on the USCIS website before submitting.
Filing Form I-907 With the Main Form
If you’re submitting Form I-907 at the same time as your main immigration form (such as I-129 or I-140), send both forms together to the same USCIS address listed for the main form.
Filing Form I-907 After the Main Form
If you’ve already submitted your immigration form and now want to add premium processing, you must send Form I-907 to the specific USCIS service center that is currently handling your original case. Be sure to include a copy of the receipt notice (Form I-797) you received for the main form.
The Form You’re Upgrading Determines the Address
There’s no one-size-fits-all address for Form I-907. It all depends on which form you’re upgrading and how you’re filing (by mail or online). Filing addresses may also vary depending on whether you’re using USPS or a courier like FedEx or UPS.
- Filing address for Form I-129 is USCIS Lockbox (For complete eligible forms, refer to Form I-129 direct filing address).
- Filing address for Form I-140 depends on the different situations. (For complete eligible forms, refer to the Form I-140 direct filing address).
- Filing address for Form I-765 and I-539 is USCIS Lockbox (For complete eligible forms, refer to Form I-765 & I-539 direct filing address).
Can You File Form I-907 Online?
Yes! USCIS now allows online filing of Form I-907 — but only for certain forms, like:
- Form I-129 (for certain employment-based visa categories)
- Form I-539
- Form I-765 (if eligible for premium processing)
Online filing availability depends on the specific visa classification and Premium Processing eligibility.
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.
Tips for a Smooth Premium Processing Experience
Premium processing can speed up your immigration application — but only if everything is done correctly. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid delays or problems:
1. Double-Check Form I-907: Make sure every part of the form is filled out clearly and correctly. Even a small mistake can slow things down or cause rejection.
2. Submit It With the Right Form: Form I-907 should be filed either at the same time as your main form (like I-129 or I-140), or after it’s already filed — not before. Filing at the wrong time may lead to rejection.
3. Pay the Correct Fee: Premium processing fees can change. Use the USCIS Fee Calculator to make sure you pay the right amount.
5. Use Trackable Mail or USCIS Online: If you’re filing by mail, use a service like FedEx or USPS with tracking so you can confirm delivery. If filing online, make sure your USCIS account is set up correctly to get updates.
6. Be Ready for RFEs or Denials: Premium processing means faster processing — not automatic approval. Make sure your case is well-supported to reduce the chance of a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial.
7. Get Help if You’re Unsure: If you’re confused about how or when to file, or if your case is complex, consider getting help from an immigration lawyer or trusted legal service. It can save you time, money, and stress.
FAQs on Premium Processing
1. Can I use Premium Processing for family-based petitions?
No, Premium Processing is not available for most family-based immigration forms, like Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or Form I-485 (Green Card through family). It’s mainly for employment-based petitions and certain student or work-related applications.
2. Does Premium Processing increase my chances of approval?
No. Premium Processing only speeds up how fast USCIS reviews your case — it does not improve your chances of getting approved. USCIS will still follow the same rules and review process, whether or not you use Premium Processing. You’re just paying to get a faster decision, not a better one.
3. What happens if USCIS issues an RFE during Premium Processing?
If USCIS sends you a Request for Evidence (RFE) while using Premium Processing, the 15-day clock stops. Once you submit the requested documents, the 15-day countdown starts again. USCIS will then respond within 15 calendar days from when they receive your full response.
4. Can I-140 and I-485 be filed together with Premium Processing?
Yes, they can be filed together (concurrent filing) if your visa category is current. However, Premium Processing only applies to Form I-140, not Form I-485. The I-485 will still be processed under normal timelines.
5. Can I request premium processing multiple times?
You can’t repeatedly request premium processing for the same pending application. If your initial premium processing request was rejected or your case was denied and you refile, you may request premium processing again with the new filing.
6. If my request for premium processing is not accepted, what are the next steps?
If your Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing) is rejected, USCIS will continue to process your underlying petition (like Form I-140, I-129, or I-765) under regular processing times.
Final Thoughts on Premium Processing
Premium Processing offers faster USCIS action for select forms, providing certainty and peace of mind when timing matters. While it does not guarantee approval, it ensures a faster decision and predictable processing timelines.
Before filing Form I-907, always confirm eligibility, fees, and filing instructions to avoid delays.
