Why do attorneys recommend Premium Processing for the EB-1A?

Premium Processing is an optional service that speeds up USCIS review of an EB-1A petition. Attorneys frequently recommend it because it trades the uncertainty of a long, unpredictable wait for a shorter, more defined window, which helps applicants plan around professional or personal commitments.

The core advantage in practice is predictability. With a faster response, the applicant knows sooner whether the petition was approved, denied, or whether USCIS requested additional evidence (known as an RFE), and gains time to respond without jeopardizing a job start date or a change of status.

• Shortens and makes predictable the review period for the petition.
• Allows an earlier response to any request for additional documentation (RFE).
• It is optional and charged separately, on top of the standard filing fees.

Keep in mind that Premium Processing speeds up the review, but does not increase the chances of approval or replace a well-prepared case. The fee and exact timeframe of the service change over time, so confirm current figures at the official source (USCIS) and discuss with a specialist whether it makes sense for your strategy.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.