Form I-907: Premium Processing Service Guide & Instructions
Form I-907 is used to request USCIS Premium Processing Service, which guarantees a response on your petition within 15 business days. This guide explains which petitions are eligible, the current fee, how to file, and when premium processing is (and isn't) worth the investment.
What is Form I-907?
Form I-907, "Request for Premium Processing Service," is a supplemental form filed with USCIS to expedite the processing of certain immigration petitions. When you file I-907 along with an eligible petition (or submit it for an already-pending petition), USCIS guarantees a response within 15 business days of receiving the fee.
Premium processing does not change the standard of review — USCIS applies the same criteria and adjudication standards regardless of whether premium processing is requested. It simply guarantees a faster timeline for the initial response.
The premium processing service was originally introduced in 2001 and has expanded over the years to cover additional petition types. It is one of the most commonly used tools by immigration applicants and employers who need a timely decision.
Which Petitions Are Eligible for Premium Processing?
Premium processing is available for several petition types. The most common ones relevant to employment-based green cards:
| Petition Type | Form | PP Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| I-140 (All EB Categories) | I-140 | 15 business days |
| H-1B Petition | I-129 | 15 business days |
| L-1 Petition | I-129 | 15 business days |
| O-1 Petition | I-129 | 15 business days |
| TN Status | I-129 | 15 business days |
| EB1-Based I-140 | I-140 | 15 business days |
| EB2-NIW I-140 | I-140 | 45 business days |
Note: Premium processing is NOT available for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), Form I-130 (Family-Based Petitions), or the ETA-9089 PERM labor certification. Premium processing only speeds up the specific petition it is filed with.
Current Premium Processing Fee
I-907 Premium Processing Fee
$2,805
As of 2026 — separate from the I-140 filing fee
The premium processing fee is paid in addition to the regular filing fee for the underlying petition. For example, if you're filing I-140 with premium processing for an EB1A self-petition:
- I-140 filing fee:$700
- I-907 premium processing:$2,805
- Total:$3,505
The fee must be submitted using a separate check or money order from the I-140 filing fee (for paper filings). For online filings, both fees are paid during the electronic submission process.
Want to calculate your total EB1A application costs? Use our free cost calculator.
The 15-Business-Day Guarantee Explained
When USCIS accepts your I-907, they must take action on your petition within 15 business days. This is counted from:
- New petitions: The date USCIS receives the I-907 and associated fee
- Pending petitions: The date USCIS receives the upgrade request
Important: "15 business days" means calendar days excluding weekends and federal holidays. In practice, this works out to approximately 3 calendar weeks.
If USCIS fails to act within 15 business days, the premium processing fee is refunded and your case continues to receive expedited processing. This guarantee makes premium processing one of the most reliable mechanisms in the immigration system.
How to File Form I-907
There are two ways to file I-907, depending on whether you're filing with a new petition or upgrading an already-pending one:
Option 1: File with a New Petition
Submit Form I-907 together with your I-140 petition and evidence package. Include both the I-140 filing fee and the I-907 premium processing fee (separate checks for paper filing, or combined payment for online filing).
Online: Select "Premium Processing" during the I-140 online filing process.
Paper: Submit I-907 on top of your I-140 package to the USCIS lockbox address specified for premium processing.
Option 2: Upgrade a Pending Petition
If you already filed I-140 under regular processing and want to upgrade to premium processing, you can file I-907 separately. Include your I-140 receipt number on the I-907 form so USCIS can locate your pending case.
Online: File I-907 through your USCIS online account, referencing your pending case number.
Paper: Mail the I-907 with the fee to the address associated with the service center processing your I-140.
Pro Tip: Upgrading Later Can Be Strategic
Some applicants file I-140 without premium processing to save the $2,805 fee, then upgrade later if they need a faster decision (e.g., if their employer changes or their visa status is expiring). The 15-day clock starts when USCIS receives the upgrade request.
When Premium Processing Makes Sense
Premium processing is generally a good investment in these situations:
You need I-140 approval for an H-1B extension beyond 6 years
If your H-1B is approaching the 6-year limit, an approved I-140 allows you to extend beyond 6 years under AC21. Getting the I-140 approved quickly is critical.
Your priority date is current and you want to file I-485 quickly
If your EB1 priority date is current, a quick I-140 approval lets you file I-485 (or do concurrent filing) without delay. This is especially valuable for EB1A self-petitioners.
You're changing jobs and need quick I-140 approval
If you're planning a job change and need your I-140 approved to maintain your immigration status or preserve your priority date, premium processing provides certainty.
Peace of mind and planning certainty
A guaranteed 15-business-day response lets you plan your immigration timeline with certainty. For many applicants, the $2,805 is worth avoiding months of uncertainty.
When Premium Processing Might NOT Be Worth It
Premium processing isn't always necessary:
Your priority date won't be current for years
If you're in a backlogged category (e.g., EB2/EB3 for India) and your priority date won't be current for years, there's less urgency to get the I-140 approved quickly. You'll be waiting regardless.
Your case may be weak and an RFE is likely
If you expect an RFE, premium processing gets you the RFE faster — but you still need time to respond (typically 84 days). Some applicants prefer to use the regular processing time to gather additional evidence before USCIS reviews the case.
Budget is extremely tight
If the $2,805 is a significant financial burden and you don't have time-sensitive immigration needs, regular processing may be the practical choice. You can always upgrade to premium processing later if circumstances change.
Your employer is paying and prefers to save costs
For employer-sponsored petitions, the employer often pays the premium processing fee. Some employers may not approve the additional expense if there's no urgency.
What Counts as a "Response" Under Premium Processing?
The 15-business-day guarantee means USCIS will issue one of these responses — it does not guarantee an approval:
Approval
Your petition is approved. This is the best outcome — you can proceed to the next step (I-485, consular processing, etc.).
Request for Evidence (RFE)
USCIS needs additional information. You typically have 84 days to respond. After you respond, USCIS has another 15 business days to act on the case (the premium processing clock resets).
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
USCIS intends to deny the petition and gives you an opportunity to respond with additional evidence or arguments before a final decision is made.
Denial
The petition is denied. You can file a motion to reopen/reconsider or appeal to the AAO. The premium processing fee is not refunded if the case is denied.
Key Point: The 15-Day Clock Resets After an RFE
If USCIS issues an RFE within the premium processing window, the 15-business-day clock resets after you submit your RFE response. This means the total time from initial filing to final decision could be longer than 15 business days if an RFE is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-907
What is Form I-907?
Form I-907 is the "Request for Premium Processing Service" filed with USCIS. It pays for expedited processing of eligible immigration petitions. For I-140 petitions, premium processing guarantees USCIS will take action within 15 business days.
Can I request premium processing after I already filed my I-140?
Yes. You can upgrade a pending I-140 to premium processing at any time by filing Form I-907 with the $2,805 fee. Reference your pending case receipt number on the I-907 form. The 15-business-day clock starts when USCIS receives your upgrade request.
Does premium processing guarantee approval?
No. Premium processing guarantees a response within 15 business days — not an approval. The response can be an approval, RFE, NOID, or denial. USCIS applies the same adjudication standards regardless of whether premium processing is requested.
What if USCIS doesn't respond within 15 business days?
If USCIS fails to act within the 15-business-day window, the $2,805 premium processing fee is refunded to the petitioner. Your case continues to receive expedited processing until a decision is made. In practice, USCIS rarely misses the deadline.
Is the premium processing fee refundable?
The fee is only refunded if USCIS fails to act within the guaranteed timeframe. If USCIS acts within the deadline (even if the action is an RFE, NOID, or denial), the fee is not refunded. Once submitted, the premium processing request cannot be withdrawn for a refund.
Can I use premium processing for Form I-485?
No. Premium processing is not currently available for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). It is only available for certain petition forms including I-140 and I-129. There is no premium processing equivalent for the adjustment of status stage.
Calculate Your Total EB1A Costs
I-140 filing fee + premium processing + other expenses — our calculator gives you a complete cost breakdown for your EB1A application.