Clarifying the expedited service for Immigrant Petitions, its costs, and processing timelines.
For many seeking permanent residency, the I-140 Immigrant Petition process can feel lengthy. Premium Processing offers an expedited route. Get Wisa provides a data-driven overview of I-140 Premium Processing in 2026, including its $2,965 cost, 15-business-day timeframe, and availability.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| I-140 Premium Processing Fee | $2,965 | [Stable] |
| I-140 Premium Processing Timeframe | 15 business days | [Stable] |
| Average PERM Processing Time | 503 days | [↓ ~5%] |
| New Form I-129 Mandatory | April 2026 | [New Requirement] |
| Total PERM Records (Wisa DB) | 283,422 | [↑ 7%] |
Our analysis of USCIS data reveals that while I-140 Premium Processing significantly speeds up adjudication, it does not expedite the preceding PERM labor certification process. Employers must still navigate the average 503-day PERM timeline before the I-140 can even be filed for premium processing.
I-140 Premium Processing is a valuable tool for faster adjudication, but it's not a magic bullet. Ensure your employer has a strong PERM filing history and understand that the 15-day clock only starts *after* PERM is certified and the I-140 is filed.
In 2026, I-140 Premium Processing offers a significant advantage for those whose petitions qualify, providing a decision within 15 business days for a fee of $2,965. This expedited service is particularly beneficial for individuals facing visa bulletin retrogression or needing to adjust their status quickly.
However, it's crucial to remember that Premium Processing applies only to the I-140 stage. The preceding PERM labor certification process, with its average 503-day timeline, remains unchanged. The introduction of the new Form I-129 in April 2026 also impacts all employers, regardless of whether they opt for premium processing.
Companies like Google, with 33,416 H-1B filings, and Infosys, with 32,840, frequently utilize I-140 Premium Processing for their sponsored employees. This allows them to quickly secure the approved I-140, a critical step for subsequent Adjustment of Status applications.
By leveraging Premium Processing, these employers can efficiently manage their immigration pipelines, ensuring that qualified candidates can move forward with their green card applications without undue delays after the PERM stage is completed.
Q: How long does I-140 Premium Processing take in 2026?
A: I-140 Premium Processing guarantees a decision from USCIS within 15 business days of filing, provided the petition is eligible for this service.
Q: What is the cost of I-140 Premium Processing?
A: The fee for I-140 Premium Processing in 2026 is $2,965. This is in addition to the standard I-140 filing fees.
Q: Does Premium Processing speed up the PERM process?
A: No, I-140 Premium Processing only affects the adjudication of the I-140 petition itself. It does not expedite the preceding PERM labor certification, which averages 503 days.
Q: Is I-140 Premium Processing available for all I-140 categories?
A: No, Premium Processing is not available for all I-140 categories. It is generally available for EB-1 Multinational Manager/Executive and EB-2 National Interest Waiver petitions, but check USCIS guidelines for specifics.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →I-140 Premium Processing guarantees a decision from USCIS within 15 business days of filing, provided the petition is eligible for this service.
The fee for I-140 Premium Processing in 2026 is $2,965. This is in addition to the standard I-140 filing fees.
No, I-140 Premium Processing only affects the adjudication of the I-140 petition itself. It does not expedite the preceding PERM labor certification, which averages 503 days.
No, Premium Processing is not available for all I-140 categories. It is generally available for EB-1 Multinational Manager/Executive and EB-2 National Interest Waiver petitions, but check USCIS guidelines for specifics.