By: Brittany Milliasseau
In just less than two weeks, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a new rule that significantly increases filing fees for many immigration applications and petitions. In addition to fee schedule and form changes, USCIS will also change its “premium processing” service.
Under its premium processing service, USCIS provides expedited processing for certain employment-based petitions. Currently, for cases filed under premium processing, USCIS guarantees processing of a petition within 15 calendar days. A premium processing request may be made by filing a form and paying a $1,440 filing fee to USCIS. The new rule does not increase the premium processing filing fee, however it will lengthen the premium processing time frame from 15 calendar days to 15 business days. Business days are considered as those days on which the federal government is open for business. Business days do not include weekends, federal holidays, or days in which federal government offices are closed such as for inclement weather or national emergencies.
The new rule will apply to petitions and applications postmarked on or after October 2, 2020. To take advantage of the current USCIS fee schedule and premium processing time frame, contact competent immigration counsel immediately!
