Premium Processing for some I140 petitions is a service provided by the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) that offers 15 day processing for certain employment-based petitions and applications.
Premium Processing is a $2,500 payment to Department of Homeland Security for a 15 calendar day processing time.
Department of Homeland Security guarantees a 15 calendar day processing time or they will refund the $2,500 Premium Processing Service fee.
If the fee is refunded, the Department of Homeland Security will continue the 15 day premium processing.
The 15 calendar day period will begin when USCIS receives the petition.
Click here to see a list of I140 petitions that allow premium processing.
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.
The regulations do not require the employer to pay the I140 premium processing fee. It may be paid by wither the beneficiary or the employer.