Published: June 6, 2022
The USCIS now allows premium processing for EB-1 and EB-2 visas. With this change, aspiring immigrants for said visa programs may request to expedite their application process.
Upon receipt and approval of the request for premium processing, the USCIS will bind itself to take adjudicative action on the case within 15 or 45 calendar days, depending on the requested visa classification. Otherwise, the agency will refund the premium processing fee and still continue with the promised expedited processing.
Qualified Individuals
In summary, EB-1 and EB-2 visa programs cover the following individuals:
EB-1 or First Preference Employment-based Visa:
- Individuals with extraordinary ability
- Outstanding professors and researchers
- Multinational managers or executives
EB-2 or Second Preference Employment-based Visa:
- Individuals with an advanced degree
- Individuals with exceptional ability
Additional Conditions
Currently, the premium processing for EB-1 and EB-2 visas only applies to those with previously filed Form I-140 petitions under an E13 multinational executive and manager classification or E21 classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver (NIW).
Expansion Schedules
The premium processing expansion will happen in varied phases. Please take note of the following:
- Starting June 1, 2022, the USCIS will accept requests for E13 multinational executive and manager petitions received on or before Jan. 1, 2021.
- Starting July 1, 2022, the USCIS will accept requests for E21 NIW petitions received on or before June 1, 2021, and E13 multinational executive and manager petitions received on or before March 1, 2021.
The USCIS will not accept premium processing requests filed before the starting dates June 1, 2022 and July 1, 2022.
Premium Processing Verification
To know if you qualify for premium processing, please coordinate with a reliable immigration lawyer. ALG Lawyers is here to help you every step of the way.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)