EB1A Processing Time Estimator
Understand how long your EB1A I-140 petition will take to process. Compare regular and premium processing across USCIS service centers.
6–12
months estimated
- No additional filing fee
- Same adjudication standards
- Times vary significantly by service center
15
business days guaranteed
- Guaranteed initial response
- Can upgrade pending petition
- Additional fee: $2,805
Processing Times by Service Center
EB1A Application Timeline
Filing
Day 0Submit I-140 petition with supporting evidence
Receipt Notice
1-3 weeksUSCIS sends I-797C receipt notice
Biometrics
4-8 weeksIf required (not always for I-140)
Decision
6-12 months (regular) / 15 business days (premium)Approval, denial, or request for evidence (RFE)
Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Consider premium if you have a time-sensitive job offer, expiring visa status, or need quick certainty. The $2,805 fee guarantees a response (approval, denial, or RFE) within 15 business days.
Premium processing guarantees an initial action within 15 business days — this includes approval, denial, or an RFE. If USCIS issues an RFE, the 15-day clock resets once you respond.
Yes. You can file Form I-907 to upgrade a pending I-140 petition to premium processing at any time before a decision is made.
USCIS processing times vary by month and depend on petition volume, staffing, and policy changes. Check USCIS.gov for the most current estimates.
Data Disclaimer
Based on publicly available USCIS data and historical trends. Actual processing times may vary. VisaCanvas is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All AI-generated content is for informational purposes only. We recommend consulting with a licensed immigration attorney for your specific case.
Check your EB1A eligibility first
Before worrying about processing times, find out if you qualify for an EB1A extraordinary ability green card.
Free EB1A Assessment