Should You Request Premium Processing? Here’s When It Makes Sense

Should You Request Premium Processing? Here’s When It Makes Sense

Starting a new academic program or job in the United States can be both exciting and stressful — especially when your immigration paperwork is still pending. One common question we hear from clients is:

“Should I request premium processing to speed things up?”

The answer depends on your timeline, your case type, and your personal circumstances. Let’s break it down.

What Is Premium Processing?

Premium Processing is a service offered by USCIS for certain employment-based petitions (such as H-1B, O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, and others). When you pay the premium processing fee (currently $2,805 for most cases), USCIS guarantees 15 business day processing.

That means:

  • USCIS must issue a decision or a Request for Evidence (RFE) within 15 business days.
  • If they miss the deadline, your premium fee is refunded, and they continue to process the case as quickly as possible.

When Premium Processing Is a Good Idea

  • You have a hard deadline — for example, your school term is about to begin, or your job start date is approaching.
  • You want peace of mind — knowing you will get a result (or at least a clear RFE) quickly can remove weeks or months of uncertainty.
  • You need to plan your next step — premium processing can help you decide sooner whether to travel, change programs, or make other big decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium Processing is often worth it if timing is critical.
  • A well-planned request can save you time, reduce stress, and help you focus on your education or career goals.