What is premium processing?
For an extra fee, USCIS decides the I-140 within a set time (approval, request for evidence or denial):
| Category | Premium processing time |
|---|---|
| EB-1A | About 15 working days |
| EB-2 NIW | About 45 working days |
What it doesn’t speed up
Premium processing only applies to the I-140 stage. The green card still waits for the visa backlog, by place of birth and category.
When is it worth it?
- You need the result quickly to decide your next step.
- A child is close to 21.
- Your current visa is about to expire.
If you receive a request for evidence
Reply by the deadline. A complete, well-organised initial filing reduces the chance of an RFE.