Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Thursday that it would soon launch the final phase of its premium processing expansion for Form I-140 petitions under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications.
Key Points:
Additional Information: USCIS is taking a phased approach to expanding premium processing as part of a broader effort to reduce backlogs and provide relief to foreign nationals affected by processing delays.
USCIS said it would further expand premium processing in March to certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions who have pending Forms I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The agency plans to extend premium processing in April to OPT and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions filing initial Forms I-765.
USCIS also said it is working toward expanding premium processing in May to certain student and exchange visitors with pending Forms I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status and in June to student and exchange visitors filing initial Forms I-539.
BAL Analysis: The extension of premium processing to additional benefit categories will shorten processing times for eligible applicants who pay the applicable fee. USCIS said it would provide more detailed information next month regarding the OPT/STEM OPT expansions in March and April. BAL will provide updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
Indian authorities announced an agreement with Moldova on a visa waiver policy for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Key…
The Kazakh government announced an agreement with Vietnam for a mutual visa-free travel policy. Key Points: Effective May 25, nationals…
The State Department is on pace to issue a record number of nonimmigrant visas this year. DACA recipients can…
The Australian government announced additional changes to its migration strategy. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the Australian…