One of the biggest advantages of EB1A green card is its option to file premium processing request. This is priceless, for example, when your visa expires soon or you just need to get a green card fast.
Note: text in italics is the citation from the official source (USCIS website).
EB1A Processing Time
You can choose to file optional Request for Premium Processing when submitting your EB1A petition.
The 15 calendar day period will begin when USCIS receives the current version of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, at the correct filing address noted on the form. USCIS will issue an approval notice, a denial notice, a notice of intent to deny, a request for evidence or open an investigation for fraud or misrepresentation within the 15 calendar day period.
If the petition or application requires the submission of additional evidence or a response to a notice of intent to deny, a new 15 calendar day period will begin upon receipt by USCIS of a complete response to the request for evidence or notice of intent to deny.
Form I-907 – Request for Premium Processing Service
No matter whether you have a lawyer or use some EB1A DIY kit, always make sure that you are filling the most current version of the form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service).
Check the official USCIS website here and download the newest form.
Premium Processing Fee
USCIS can change this fee anytime, please check the current fee on their website.
Remember that a separate check or money order must be payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Premium Processing Petition Letter
It might be a good idea to write a short petition letter highlighting the premium processing request. See an example of the letter in our EB1A DIY kit.
All three documents, the fee, the I-907 form and the letter, were placed at the top of the whole EB1A package so USCIS officer immediately see that the premium processing was requested.
Where to Send EB1A Petition
Do not send requests for premium processing to a USCIS Lockbox facility. The filing address depends on which state do you live in and what postal service will you use.
Check the premium processing (!) filing address at USCIS website. Note that the address is different from regular processing addresses.
Other Benefits of Premium Processing
USCIS has also established a special phone number and e-mail address for each of the Service Centers. These special communication channels will be available only to Premium Processing Service users.
Additionally, USCIS collects your phone number, fax number and e-mail address on the Form I-907 so that we can send you an automatic e-mail notifying you of the receipt of your Form I-907. If the underlying form for which you requested Premium Processing Service is approved, we will send an automatic e-mail notifying you of the approval. It is important that you provide this information so that USCIS may correspond with you in the most appropriate manner.
Additional contact information for each Service Center will be provided to you on your receipt notice and will also be provided on this Website.
If you have already filed a Request for Premium Processing Service and you need to contact the Service Center, call the Premium Processing Service Toll Free phone number at 1-866-315-5718. You will need to have your receipt number when you call as this phone number is only for inquiries relating to a petition already receiving Premium Processing Service.
Premium Processing Example
As I mentioned above, EB1A case presented in our DIY kit was submitted with premium processing request and you might use it as an example for your own needs.
I hope you find information in this blog post useful. Please let me know in comments below if you have any questions or if you have any ideas for the future blog posts. Thank you!
We have applied for EB1 A extraordinary ability and we want to go for Premium Processing by paying fees. How can we do that. Thanks
Hi,
Typically, premium processing is filed together within the I-140 petition. I don’t have experience with your situation, so not sure about it. I am sorry.
Veronika