INS Begins Premium Processing Service

The INS announced in early June that American businesses will have the ability to obtain faster processing rates for employment-based applications. The Premium Processing Service was passed by legislation in December 2000. As of June 1, 2001, businesses are eligible to file a completed Form I-907 for both pending and new non-immigrant employment petitions.

INS will issue either an approval notice or denial within 15 days of filing. If INS misses the 15-day deadline, it will refund the entire $1000 while continuing to work on the pending application. Companies may also check on the status of their application(s) via a dedicated phone line and e-mail address.

Businesses may request for premium processing for their application(s) by filing Form I-907 and paying the $1000 fee. This fee should be paid by check or money order, and can not be added into the regular visa application fee.

INS has presently designated Form I-129 for premium processing for the following visas: E-1, E-2, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-2, P-3 and Q-1.

The H-1B, R-1 and TN Visas will be added to the Premium Processing program on July 30, 2001.

INS expects the new program to generate an annual revenue of $80 million. This added revenue will be used to hire additional staff and make improvements in INS infrastructure.