U.S. Work Visa and USCIS Premium Processing for I-140

1. What is the difference between a U.S. Work Visa and USCIS Premium Processing for I-140?


A U.S. Work Visa is a document issued by the United States government to allow an individual to work in the United States. USCIS Premium Processing for I-140 is an expedited processing option available to those filing certain employment-based visa applications with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The I-140, or Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is required for many employment-based visa categories such as the H-1B, O-1, and L-1 visas. The Premium Processing option allows employers to pay an additional fee in order to receive a decision on their application within 15 calendar days of filing.

2. What is the processing time for a U.S. Work Visa and USCIS Premium Processing for I-140?


The processing time for a U.S. Work Visa and USCIS Premium Processing for I-140 is 15 calendar days. However, the processing time may vary depending on the workload of the USCIS.

3. What type of documents are required to submit with an I-140 application via USCIS Premium Processing?


The documents required to submit with an I-140 application via USCIS Premium Processing include Form I-140, the applicable filing fee, a completed Form I-907, and relevant evidence in support of the petition. Additionally, if the petition is based on employment, a copy of the approved labor certification, or other evidence establishing eligibility for the petition should be included.

4. What is the filing fee for USCIS Premium Processing for an I-140 application?


The filing fee for USCIS Premium Processing for an I-140 application is $1,440.

5. Is it possible to request an expedited processing of an I-140 application through USCIS Premium Processing?


Yes, it is possible to request an expedited processing of an I-140 application through USCIS Premium Processing. However, premium processing is only available for certain categories of petitions. The USCIS website provides detailed information about which petitions are eligible for premium processing.

6. Is Premium Processing available for all types of I-140 applications?


No, Premium Processing is not available for all types of I-140 applications. Premium Processing is only available for certain types of I-140 applications, including those involving E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, and O-1 visas.

7. What are the requirements to qualify for a U.S. Work Visa?


The requirements for a U.S. Work Visa vary depending on the type of visa being applied for. Generally, applicants must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer, meet the qualifications for the position, and have proof of legal status in the U.S. Some types of visas also require an applicant to obtain a Labor Certification from the Department of Labor and/or have an approved Petition for Alien Worker from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, certain non-immigrant visas may require applicants to demonstrate that they will be able to support themselves financially while in the U.S. and/or that they are coming to the U.S. for a temporary purpose.

8. Can a family member apply for a U.S. Work Visa along with the primary applicant?


Yes, family members of the primary applicant can apply for U.S. Work Visas. Depending on your family member’s immigration status and relationship to you, they may be eligible for a derivative work visa. This will allow them to travel to the U.S. with you and work in the same type of job as you.

9. What is the validity period of a U.S. Work Visa?


A U.S. Work Visa is typically valid for a period of three to five years, depending on the category of visa.

10. Are there restrictions on activities that may be engaged by individuals on a U.S. Work Visa?


Yes, there are restrictions on activities that may be engaged in by individuals on a U.S. Work Visa. Individuals on a U.S. work visa must adhere to the specific terms of the visa, which includes restrictions on the type of work they may be allowed to do, how long they may stay in the country, and any other special restrictions or qualifications.

11. How long does the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) usually take to process an I-140 application?


The processing time for an I-140 application varies depending on the type of application and the current demand. Typically, USCIS will take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to process an I-140 application.

12. Are there any additional fees associated with filing an I-140 application through USCIS Premium Processing?


Yes. In addition to the I-140 filing fee, there is an additional $1,440 fee associated with filing an I-140 application through USCIS Premium Processing.

13. What types of employers are eligible to file an I-140 application through USCIS Premium Processing?


Employers eligible to file I-140 applications through USCIS Premium Processing are:
-U.S. employers who are hiring foreign workers on a temporary or permanent basis in specialty occupations;
-U.S. employers who are filing immigrant petitions for certain religious workers; and
-U.S. employers filing immigrant petitions for multinational managers and executives.

14. Can an individual apply for more than one U.S. Work Visa at a time?


No, individuals may only apply for one U.S. Work Visa at a time.

15. Does an individual need to have a job offer in order to apply for a U.S. Work Visa?


No, an individual does not need to have a job offer in order to apply for a U.S. Work Visa. Depending on the type of visa, individuals may be able to apply for one without a job offer or may need to have one in order to be eligible for the visa.

16. How can individuals check the status of their I-140 application with USCIS Premium Processing?


Individuals can check the status of their I-140 application with USCIS Premium Processing by logging in to their USCIS online account or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

17. Is it possible to have an extension of stay on a U.S. Work Visa after its expiration date?


No, it is not possible to extend stay on a U.S. Work Visa after its expiration date. Extensions of stay are granted before the visa expires and must be applied for prior to the expiration date.

18. Is it possible to transfer a U.S. Work Visa from one employer to another?


Yes, it is possible to transfer a U.S. Work Visa from one employer to another. The process of transferring a work visa is called “porting” and requires the new employer to sponsor the employee for a new visa. Generally, an employee who has their work visa tied to one company can transfer it to a different company by obtaining a new visa application from the new employer, filing an application for the new work visa, and attending an interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.

19. Are there any restrictions on the number of times a U.S. Work Visa can be renewed?


Yes, depending on the type of U.S. Work Visa. Generally, a work visa may be renewed up to five times, but there are certain types that may be renewed indefinitely.

20. Is it possible to change the status of a U.S Work Visa holder from nonimmigrant to immigrant status?


Yes, it is possible for a U.S. Work Visa holder to change from nonimmigrant to immigrant status. This is typically done through the process of obtaining a green card through an employer or family member sponsorship, or through other methods such as asylum or refugee status.