US Speeds Up Premium Processing of Visas and Green Cards

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expands the process of visas and green card applications on a priority basis. The categories related to international students come under the critical category of this premium process. USCIS will implement the process in phases, beginning with EB-1 and EB-2 green card applications.

The process expansion aims to reduce the burden on the overall legal immigration system. The expansion is also applicable for the previously filed petitions of Form I-140 that come under the E13 multinational executive and manager classification.

In March, USCIS will implement the premium processing expansion to certain F-1 students who opted for Optional Practical Training (OPT), and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions with pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

USICS added, "in April, we will expand premium processing to F-1 students seeking OPT and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions who are filing an initial Form I-765".

The expansion is an instruction from the Presidential Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Previously, the express expansion was only for petitioners filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and petitioners filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers.

Citizenship and Immigration Services of the US recommends expanding the premium process services with an applied condition - pay between USD 2,500 to speed up the application process. Following the payment, the applications will be expedited within 45 days but in a phased manner.

The recommended categories included - EB-1 Multinational Executive or Manager, EB-2 Member of Professions Holding an Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability seeking National Interest Waiver (NIW), I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

The recommendation is to Expand Premium processing to additional employment based green cards, all work permit petitions and temporary immigrant applications by charging an amount of USD 2,500.

The US Embassy Approves Over 1,00,000 H1-B and L1 Visas

In October 2022, the US Embassy announced the plan to release 1,00,000 visa applications. The applications for H1-B and L1 visas were in consideration of the announcement. The intention behind releasing a large number of visas is to provide relief to H and L visa workers and their families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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