US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced efforts to increase efficiency and reduce case backlogs and processing times. In this effort, USCIS is expanding premium processing to additional form types and will improve timely access to employment authorization documents (EAD). Read more about the USCIS expansion of premium processing and improved EAD efforts here.
What Forms will be included in the premium processing expansion?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule that aligns premium processing regulations with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act. Under this rule, the following Forms will be eligible for premium processing through USCIS Form I-907:
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and
- Additional classifications under Form I-140
When will this change take effect?
USCIS intends to begin implementing, through a phased approach, premium processing availability of Form I-539, Form I-765, and Form I-140 in the fiscal year 2022.
Additional phased expansion of premium processing
USCIS plans to begin this phased implementation process by expanding premium processing eligibility to Form I-140 applicants requesting EB-1 classification as a multinational executive or manager, or EB-2 immigrant classification as a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver.
Improved processing of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
USCIS has begun streamlining many EAD processes, including extending validity periods for certain EADs and providing expedited work authorization renewals for healthcare and childcare workers. The temporary final rule aims to build on this progress and to ensure certain individuals will not lose their work authorization status while their applications are pending.
Family-based ImmigrationEmployment-based Immigration
Additional Outside Resources
- USCIS: Expand Premium Processing, and Provide Relief to Work Permit Holders
- USCIS: Form I-907 Premium Processing
- USCIS: USCIS Form I-140 Petition for foreign worker
- USCIS: Form I-765 Application for Work Authorization
- USCIS: Form I-539 Application to Change or Extend Status
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