Fast Track Your EB1A Green Card: Exploring EB1A Premium Processing
The EB1A visa category offers an advantage by allowing you to submit premium processing requests, which speeds up the adjudication process of the EB1A petition.
However, many people hesitate to choose EB1A premium processing, fearing that it may result in Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Is this true? Read this blog to find out.
In this blog, we will discuss how to submit premium processing requests, including details about the filing fee and filing location, to help you navigate the process smoothly. Let’s get started.
What is EB1A Premium Processing?
You can expedite the processing of your EB1A Petition or Form I-140, an immigrant petition for Alien workers, by requesting premium processing service from the USCIS. Premium processing of applications requires you to pay an additional fee.
By requesting premium processing for your EB1A Petition, you can expect action on your case within 15 business days. If USCIS fails to meet this timeline, they will refund your premium processing fee.
Moreover, premium processing requests do not apply to I-485 applications.
How Can You Request Premium Processing for Your EB1A Petition?
To request EB1A premium processing, complete Form I-907 and pay the required fee related to your I-140 application. Interested in requesting premium processing for your EB1A petition? Here are three methods to do so:
1.You can file Form I-907 with the associated fee concurrently with Form I-140. Refer to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for the appropriate mailing addresses.
2. You can file Form I-907 after submitting your I-140 application, as long as the final decision for your I-140 application has not been made. In this case, include your pending I-140 receipt notice along with Form I-907.
If your EB1A case is transferred to another service center, include the transfer notice.
3. If your priority date is available, you can file I-140, I-907, and I-485 applications concurrently with USCIS. However, note that premium processing applies only to your I-140 application.
The I-485 application is adjudicated only after approval of your I-140 application.
Premium Processing Timeline
The EB1A premium processing time starts when USCIS receives your completed I-907 application. This means you must file your premium processing form with the correct fee and required signature.
Within 15 days, you will receive one of the following actions on your EB1A case:
- Approval Notice
- Denial Notice
- Request for Evidence Notice
- Notice of Intent to Deny
- Initiation of an Investigation for fraud
If your EB1A petition receives either a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny, the Premium Processing request will be halted. Once they receive your response, the premium processing time will restart.
EB1A premium processing Filing Fee and Filing Location
Starting from February 26, 2024, the filing fee for your I-140 application is $2805. If you submit
Form I-907 with an incorrect filing fee postmarked on February 26, 12024, USCIS will reject it and return your fee.
The filing location varies depending on whether you filed Form I-907 concurrently with Form I-140 or with a pending I-140 application. Make sure to refer to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, to find the correct mailing address.
Who Can File Premium Processing Requests?
Form I-907 may only be submitted by either the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney/representative who has filed a notice of appearance (Form G-28) on behalf of the petitioner.
However, in the case of an EB1A self-petition, the beneficiary can also file a premium processing request, as the beneficiary and petitioner are the same entity.
Is Premium Processing Connected to Receiving RFEs?
Each EB1A petition is evaluated independently based on its own merits. Consequently, a premium processing request does not influence the likelihood of receiving an RFE.
If you want to expedite your EB1A process, it’s advisable to opt for premium processing, as the regular processing time for the I-140 application typically ranges from 16 to 19 months.
Even if your priority date is not current, opting for EB1A premium processing is beneficial. It enables you to address any potential RFEs earlier.
Conclusion
The EB1A category offers faster processing because it does not require a labor certification. This means you can skip the time-consuming PERM process. Additionally, you have the option to request EB1A premium processing for your I-140 application.
Furthermore, EB1A green card wait times are shorter compared to EB2 and EB3 green card categories for India. Additionally, EB1A final action dates progress more rapidly in the monthly visa bulletins compared to EB2 and EB3.
Therefore, EB1A is the quickest route to US permanent residency for Indians. If you are seeking hands-on guidance to create a compelling EB1A profile, consider exploring the Smart Green Card VIP.
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