How to Navigate USCIS’s I-907 Premium Processing Request

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can often be a time-consuming and complex process. For individuals and organizations needing faster processing of certain immigration petitions and applications, the I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, offers a valuable solution. Premium processing allows for expedited review of specific forms filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), reducing wait times from several months to as little as 15 calendar days.

Contents

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the I-907 form, including its purpose, eligibility criteria, filing procedures, fees, benefits, and tips for avoiding common mistakes.

What Is Form I-907 (Premium Processing Request)?

The I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is a form used to request expedited processing of certain employment-based petitions and applications with USCIS. When properly filed and accepted, USCIS guarantees processing within 15 calendar days. If USCIS does not process the petition within this timeframe, the premium processing fee is refunded, and the case continues to receive expedited service.

Premium processing is commonly used by employers and individuals seeking faster decisions on work-related visa applications, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, and EB-1 petitions.

Benefits of Premium Processing

Expedited Processing: USCIS guarantees a response (approval, denial, request for evidence, or notice of intent to deny) within 15 calendar days.
Faster Decision Making: Ideal for time-sensitive situations, such as employment start dates, travel plans, or expiring legal status.
Peace of Mind: Reduces uncertainty and provides faster updates on case status.

Who Can Use Form I-907?

Premium processing is only available for specific visa categories and forms. It is primarily used for employment-based petitions. Both the petitioner (usually an employer) and the beneficiary (individual applicant) can file Form I-907, depending on the situation.

Eligible Forms for Premium Processing:

Form I-129: Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
- H-1B (Specialty Occupation)
- L-1 (Intra-company Transferee)
- O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
- TN (NAFTA Professionals)
- E-1/E-2 (Treaty Traders and Investors)
- And other employment-based classifications
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- EB-1 (Priority Workers)
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals or Exceptional Ability)
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers)
Other Forms (Limited Availability):
- Premium processing for some forms like I-765 (Employment Authorization) has been introduced gradually under new USCIS policy changes, but it’s limited to certain applicants.

Who Can File Form I-907?

Petitioners (Employers): Most commonly, U.S. employers file Form I-907 on behalf of foreign workers.
Applicants (Beneficiaries): In cases where the individual is self-petitioning (such as certain EB-1 or NIW categories), the applicant may submit the request.
Attorneys or Authorized Representatives: Legal representatives can file on behalf of the petitioner or applicant with the appropriate authorization (Form G-28).

When to File Form I-907

At the Same Time as the Original Petition: You can submit Form I-907 along with Form I-129 or I-140 in one package.
After the Original Petition Is Filed: If you’ve already filed your petition and want to upgrade to premium processing, you can file Form I-907 separately. Include the receipt number of the pending petition.

How to Complete Form I-907

Form I-907 is relatively straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to avoid delays. Here’s a section-by-section breakdown:

Part 1: Information About the Request

Indicate if the request is for an original petition or to upgrade an existing petition to premium processing.

Part 2: Information About the Petitioner or Applicant

Provide the full legal name of the employer (if applicable) or individual applicant.
Include contact information, including mailing address, phone number, and email.

Part 3: Information About the Beneficiary (if applicable)

Include the beneficiary’s full name, date of birth, country of birth, and country of citizenship.

Part 4: Processing Information

Provide the receipt number if filing for an already submitted petition.
Mention the form number (e.g., I-129 or I-140) and the classification sought (e.g., H-1B, L-1).

Part 5: Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature

The person requesting premium processing must sign and date the form, certifying the accuracy of the information.

Part 6: Attorney or Accredited Representative (if applicable)

If an attorney is involved, they must complete this section and submit Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney).

Filing Fee for Form I-907

As of 2024, the filing fee for Form I-907 depends on the type of petition:

For Form I-129 Petitions: $2,500
For Form I-140 Petitions: $2,500
For Certain I-765 Applications (limited cases): $1,500

Payment Methods:

Check or Money Order: Payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (do not abbreviate).
Credit Card: If filing at a USCIS lockbox, you can submit Form G-1450 to authorize credit card payment.
Electronic Payment: Available for online submissions where applicable.

Refund Policy:

If USCIS fails to process the request within 15 calendar days, the premium processing fee will be refunded automatically.

Where to File Form I-907

The filing address for Form I-907 depends on:

The type of underlying petition (Form I-129 or I-140)
Whether you’re filing concurrently or upgrading a pending case
The petitioner’s location

Filing Options:

Paper Filing: Mail to the appropriate USCIS service center listed on the USCIS website.
Online Filing: USCIS allows online submission of Form I-907 in certain cases. This option is faster and more convenient for many applicants.

Always check the latest USCIS filing addresses before submitting your form to avoid delays.

USCIS Processing Timeline for Premium Processing

When USCIS receives Form I-907 with the correct filing fee, they will issue a receipt notice (Form I-797) to confirm acceptance. The 15-calendar-day processing clock starts from the date USCIS receives the request.

USCIS Will Take One of the Following Actions:

Approval Notice: The petition is approved.
Denial Notice: The petition is denied, with reasons explained.
Request for Evidence (RFE): USCIS requires more documentation before making a decision. The 15-day clock pauses until you respond.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): USCIS plans to deny the petition but allows you to submit additional evidence within a specific timeframe.

How to Track Your Premium Processing Request

You can check the status of your I-907 request through several methods:

USCIS Case Status Online: Enter your receipt number on the USCIS website to view updates.
Email or SMS Notifications: If you filed Form G-1145, you’ll receive email or text alerts.
USCIS Contact Center: Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 for updates on your case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form I-907

Incorrect Filing Fee: Always check the latest fee requirements on the USCIS website before submitting payment.
Missing Information: Incomplete forms can result in rejection. Double-check all sections.
Incorrect Filing Address: Sending the form to the wrong USCIS service center can delay processing.
Failure to Sign the Form: Unsigned forms are automatically rejected.
Outdated Form Version: Always download the latest version of Form I-907 from the USCIS website.

Special Considerations and Tips

1. Premium Processing for H-1B Cap Petitions

Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions: Premium processing timelines may vary depending on the cap season. USCIS often announces specific schedules for cap-subject petitions.

2. Impact on Dependent Applications

H-4, L-2, or Other Dependents: Premium processing applies only to the principal petition (e.g., H-1B). Dependent applications (Forms I-539 or I-765) are not expedited unless premium processing is separately requested, where eligible.

3. Using Premium Processing Strategically

When to Upgrade: Consider requesting premium processing if your case has been pending for an extended period or if you have an urgent need (e.g., job changes, travel, or legal status expiration).

What Happens After a Decision?

If Approved:

USCIS will issue an approval notice (Form I-797).
For nonimmigrant petitions (e.g., H-1B), you’ll receive an approval notice with an I-94 attached (if applicable).

If Denied:

You’ll receive a denial notice explaining the reasons.
Depending on the situation, you may be able to:
- File a motion to reopen or reconsider (Form I-290B)
- Appeal the decision (if applicable)
- Refile the petition with additional evidence

Conclusion

The I-907 Premium Processing Request is a powerful tool for individuals and organizations seeking expedited USCIS processing for certain immigration petitions. While the process is straightforward, attention to detail is critical to ensure timely processing and avoid unnecessary delays.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, completing the form accurately, and following USCIS guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of premium processing. Whether you’re an employer sponsoring a foreign worker or an individual navigating the complex U.S. immigration system, this guide provides the information you need to make the process smoother and more efficient.