Key Takeaways:
- Understanding premium processing: USCIS offers a 15-day expedited service for certain immigration forms, including I-140 with National Interest Waiver.
- Eligibility for NIW with premium processing: Professionals with advanced degrees can request a labor certification waiver for national interest.
- Benefits of premium processing: Quicker decisions, certainty in planning relocation, and avoidance of employment authorization gaps for temporary work visa holders.
Understanding Premium Processing for I-140 National Interest Waiver Applications
When it comes to immigrating to the United States for work purposes, expediting your application can be a top priority. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a premium processing service that significantly speeds up the processing of certain immigration forms. But the question many professionals and researchers have is: “Can I use premium processing for an I-140 with a National Interest Waiver?”
What is Premium Processing?
Premium processing is an optional service provided by the USCIS that guarantees a 15-calendar day processing time. If the USCIS does not take certain adjudicative action within the 15-day processing time, it commits to refunding the premium processing service fee. This service is highly sought after by applicants desiring expedited decisions on their immigration petitions.
The I-140 with National Interest Waiver Explained
An I-140 petition is the second step in most employment-based green card processes. Crucially, the National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a provision that allows certain individuals to request that the labor certification typically required for an I-140 petition be waived because it is in the interest of the United States.
To be eligible for a National Interest Waiver, you must demonstrate that you are a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or possess exceptional ability, and that your work has substantial merit and national importance.
Can You Use Premium Processing for NIW I-140 Petitions?
The answer is affirmative. USCIS has expanded the availability of premium processing to include I-140 petitions filed with a request for a National Interest Waiver. This development is part of the USCIS’s effort to improve and expand premium processing services for various immigrant and nonimmigrant categories.
Here’s a simplified explanation of how this works:
– If eligible, you can file Form I-907, the Request for Premium Processing Service.
– Upon receipt, USCIS should take action on your petition within 15 calendar days.
– This service comes with an additional fee, separate from the base filing fee for your I-140 petition.
The Benefits of Using Premium Processing
Opting for premium processing on your I-140 National Interest Waiver petition has several immigration benefits, including:
- Quicker decision on your green card application, which could mean faster access to the United States for employment.
- Ability to plan your relocation with more certainty due to known processing timelines.
- If you are in the United States on a temporary work visa, premium processing might help you avoid a gap in your employment authorization.
How to Request Premium Processing
To request premium processing, you must submit the correct edition of Form I-907 along with the premium processing service fee to USCIS. Instructions for where and how to file your request can be found on the official USCIS website.
Make sure you follow the latest USCIS guidance and fee schedules when requesting premium processing as these can change and are subject to regulatory updates.
Conclusion
For those seeking immigration benefits through an I-140 petition with a National Interest Waiver, the availability of premium processing offers a valuable option to accelerate the decision-making process. Although this comes with an additional cost, the benefits of quicker application processing and reduced uncertainty can be significant for many applicants. Always keep yourself updated with the latest information from the USCIS to ensure a smooth processing of your petition.
So there you have it, folks! Premium processing is like hitting the turbo button on your immigration application. And guess what? You can even use it for your I-140 National Interest Waiver petition! With faster decisions and reduced uncertainty, it’s a no-brainer. Want to learn more about premium processing and other cool immigration stuff? Check out visaverge.com and become the immigration expert you were always meant to be!
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: Can I use premium processing for an I-140 with a National Interest Waiver?
Yes, you can use premium processing for an I-140 petition with a National Interest Waiver (NIW). The USCIS has expanded the availability of premium processing to include I-140 petitions filed with a request for a National Interest Waiver. This allows you to expedite the processing of your petition and receive a decision within 15 calendar days.
FAQ 2: What is premium processing?
Premium processing is an optional service provided by the USCIS that guarantees a 15-calendar day processing time for certain immigration forms. It enables applicants to receive expedited decisions on their immigration petitions. If the USCIS fails to take certain adjudicative action within the 15-day processing time, it will refund the premium processing service fee.
FAQ 3: What are the benefits of using premium processing for an I-140 National Interest Waiver petition?
Opting for premium processing on your I-140 National Interest Waiver petition offers several benefits. These include a quicker decision on your green card application, allowing for faster access to employment in the United States. It also provides more certainty in planning your relocation due to known processing timelines. Additionally, if you are on a temporary work visa, premium processing can help you avoid a gap in your employment authorization.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
- True or False: Premium processing is a service provided by the USCIS that guarantees a 15-calendar day processing time for I-140 National Interest Waiver petitions.
- What is the main purpose of a National Interest Waiver for an I-140 petition?
a) To eliminate the need for a labor certification
b) To speed up the processing time
c) To waive the premium processing fee
d) To demonstrate exceptional ability - What are the benefits of using premium processing for an I-140 National Interest Waiver petition?
a) Quicker decision on green card application, ability to plan relocation, and potential gap in employment authorization
b) Waiver of the premium processing fee, reduced uncertainty, and faster access to the United States
c) Quicker decision on green card application, reduced uncertainty, and potential gap in employment authorization
d) Faster access to the United States, waiver of the premium processing fee, and ability to plan relocation.
