1. What is Premium Processing?

Premium Processing is an expedited processing service offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It allows certain foreign nationals to obtain their visa or green card within 15 calendar days of filing their application, petition, or request with USCIS.

2. How do I apply for Premium Processing?

If you are filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker or Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, you can pay an additional fee of $1,440 to request premium processing. Your request must be included with the petition you are filing.

3. What are the benefits of using Premium Processing?

Premium Processing offers expedited processing of certain immigration applications and petitions. It is a way for employers and foreign nationals to pay an extra fee to the USCIS to receive a decision or response to their application within 15 calendar days. Benefits of using Premium Processing include shorter wait times, greater continuity of service, greater predictability and consistency in processing decisions, and improved customer service. Additionally, Premium Processing can provide peace of mind to employers and employees who are waiting for a response on their immigration application or petition.

4. How much does Premium Processing cost?

Premium Processing for Form I-129 (which is used for most nonimmigrant visa applications) costs an additional $1,440 fee in addition to the standard filing fee.

5. How long does it take for Premium Processing to be completed?

Premium Processing is typically completed within 15 calendar days.

6. Is Premium Processing available for all types of visas and green cards?

No, premium processing is not available for all types of visas and green cards. Premium processing is only available for certain employment-based visa petitions, including H-1B, L-1A/L-1B, O-1/O-2, and certain I-140 petitions. It is also available for certain family-based green card applications.

7. What happens if my application is denied during the Premium Processing period?

If your application is denied during the Premium Processing period, you will not be eligible for a refund of the Premium Processing fee. However, you may be able to reapply with a new petition.

8. Are there any restrictions on when I can use Premium Processing?

Premium Processing is available for certain types of visa petitions, and there may be restrictions based on what type of petition you are filing. For more information, please visit the USCIS website.

9. What is a Priority Date?

A priority date is the date that a visa petition filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is received and recorded. The priority date is used to determine the order in which applicants will be processed for a visa, with earlier priority dates being processed first.

10. What is the Current Priority Date for Family-Based Green Card Applications?

The current priority date for family-based green card applications is March 22, 2020.

11. What is the Current Priority Date for Employment-Based Green Card Applications?

The priority date for employment-based green card applications is currently October 1, 2020.

12. How does the Priority Date impact my visa application process?

The priority date is the date when a foreign national first expresses an intention to immigrate to the United States. This date becomes important when the government limits the amount of visas available each year. If a foreign national applies for a visa before their priority date, they will be placed ahead of others who applied after their priority date. The priority date can also determine the length of time it takes for a visa to be approved, as visas can only be issued when there are visas available from the current year’s quota.

13. Can I use Premium Processing if my Priority Date is current?

No, you cannot use Premium Processing if your Priority Date is current. Premium Processing is only available for certain types of employment-based visa petitions, including some EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories.

14. Is there a way to expedite the processing of my visa application if my Priority Date is not yet current?

No, the visa processing time and availability of visas is determined by the US Department of State and there is no way to expedite the processing of a visa application.

15. Is there a way to find out when my Priority Date will become current?

Yes. You can check the Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website to find out when your priority date will become current. The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly and lists the dates of visa availability for each country.

16. Are there any restrictions on when I can use Priority Dates?

Yes, there are some restrictions on when you can use priority dates. Generally, priority dates can only be used for applications pending before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor (DOL). Priority dates cannot be used for applications with the Department of State (DOS). Additionally, priority dates may not be used to apply for certain immigration benefits, such as adjustment of status or naturalization.

17. How do I know if my Priority Date has been scheduled or processed?

Your priority date will be provided to you in a visa bulletin. You can check the visa bulletin for the latest information on your priority date. Additionally, you may contact the National Visa Center (NVC) for more specific information on the status of your case.

18. How can I check the status of my visa application based on my Priority Date?

You can check the status of your visa application based on your Priority Date by checking the U.S. Department of State visa bulletin at travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html. This website provides information on the current waiting times for visa numbers in each category, as well as the most recent visa bulletin (which includes information on priority dates).

19. Is it possible to move up or change my Priority Date for a particular visa application?

No, the Priority Date for a particular visa application cannot be changed or moved up. The Priority Date is assigned at the time the visa petition is filed and is based on the date of filing. This means that the earlier a visa petition is filed, the earlier the Priority Date.

20. Can I use both Premium Processing and Priority Dates to expedite my visa application process?

No, you can only use one of these options at a time. The Premium Processing option allows for expedited processing of your application, while Priority Dates allow for earlier consideration of your application.