Premium processing is now available for some student applications, and different fees and timeframes apply to different petition and application types.
Continue Reading Changes to Premium Processing: What Petitioners, Applicants Should Know
USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees Effective March 1, 2026
On Jan. 9, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will publish a final rule increasing USCIS fees for premium processing.
Premium processing provides expedited processing for certain case types for an additional government filing fee.
In the announcement, USCIS stated that the premium process fee increase
Another Round of Premium Processing Expansion!
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status.
The expansion of premium processing for these categories will occur in phases. Starting June 13, 2023, USCIS
Online USCIS Premium Processing for F-1 Students Seeking OPT
USCIS has made it easier for certain F-1 students who are seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions to apply for premium processing. Beginning March 6, 2023, students who have already filed Form I-765 and fall under the categories of (c)(3)(A) Pre-Completion OPT, (c)(3)(B) Post-Completion
USCIS Agrees to Bundle H-4, L-2, and EAD Applications Filed with Principal’s Petition
As a result of a class action lawsuit, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has entered into a settlement agreement to “bundle” an application to extend or change H-4 or L-2 status and, if applicable, an employment authorization document (EAD) application, if the application is filed with the principal’s corresponding H-1B or L-1 petition.
As background:
In Progress: Second Phase of Premium Processing
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) is carrying out its intention to expand the premium processing program by implementing the second phase of premium processing expansion for certain petitioners that have a pending Form I-140 employment-based immigrant visa petition, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. Beginning Aug. 1, 2022, USCIS will accept premium processing requests
Slow and Steady: USCIS Provides Additional Details for Expanded Premium Processing
On May 24, USCIS provided additional information related to implementation of its expanded premium processing program. First announced March 29, 2022, USCIS stated its intention to expand premium processing to certain Form I-140 employment-based immigrant visa petitions, Form I-539 applications to extend/change nonimmigrant status, and Form I-765 applications for employment authorization. As promised, USCIS has
USCIS Announces New Measures to Reduce Immigration Backlog
On March 29, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced three measures that seek to reduce wait times, expand premium processing to additional form types, and streamline the process for those waiting for employment authorization documents.
- Reduce wait times: USCIS is establishing new internal cycle time goals to be achieved by September 2023. USCIS will
USCIS Adjusts Fees and Changes Premium Processing Timeline
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced that there will be an adjustment to the filing fees for certain applications and petitions requesting an immigration benefit. The new fees will be effective on Oct. 2, 2020. These fees have been adjusted to cover the full cost of providing adjudication and operating costs. Moreover, USCIS
USCIS Announces Resumption of Premium Processing
On May 29, 2020, USCIS announced it would resume premium processing for certain eligible applications. USCIS had previously suspended all premium processing for I-129 and I-140 petitions due to the COVID-19 crisis and the impending H-1B cap filings. The resumption of premium processing comes at a time when USCIS has said that it might