USCIS Announces Next Phase of Premium Processing Expansion

The next phase of premium processing expansion has begun. This is the final expansion for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories.

This latest expansion differs from previous phases, offering premium processing for new petitions as well as previously filed Form I-140 petitions for E13 multinational executives, a manager classification, or E21 members of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability under the national interest waiver (NIW).

To request premium processing, individuals must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. These forms will be accepted starting January 30, 2023, for pending and initial E13 and E21 filings.

Expanding premium processing is an effort to increase efficiency and reduce barriers to legal immigration, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The next phase, starting in March 2023, makes premium processing available to petitions for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students looking for STEM OPT extensions with a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

In April, USCIS will expand premium processing again for initial filings for F-1 students looking for OPT or STEM OPT filing the initial Form I-765. Dates will be announced for each group in the coming month.

Looking forward, USCIS continues to work toward offering premium processing for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. USCIS estimates expanding the premium process for some student and exchange visitors with pending Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status in May 2023. Qualifying student and exchange visitors who file their initial Form I-539 are expected to be given the option for premium processing in June 2023. Specific information regarding each subsequent expansion will be announced as the dates get closer.

The effects of the expansion of premium processing are being monitored by USCIS to ensure that increases in processing times for other immigration benefits do not increase.

If you have questions about premium processing or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. We work with our clients in their specific situations to ensure they get the right advice.