Premium Processing is a paid service that allows applicants to request expedited adjudication of certain petitions, with a commitment to a decision within a reduced timeframe. The key point is that availability of this service varies by category and changes over time, so the best approach is to check the current status rather than assume a fixed scenario.
Even when the expedited service is available, it is important to understand what it does and does not do. Premium Processing can shorten the time it takes to adjudicate the petition itself, but it does not change other steps that follow their own timeline, such as the visa availability queue and the final stage of obtaining permanent residence.
- Premium Processing speeds up petition adjudication, not the entire process.
- Availability for the EB-2 NIW category can vary over time.
- Visa queues and the final stage follow their own schedule, independent of it.
Because this is an operational policy that changes, do not take availability for granted. It is worth verifying current availability from the official source and consulting a specialist to determine whether it makes sense for your case and at what stage.
Learn more about EB-2 NIW
- Category
- EB-2 NIW Green Card
- Self-petition
- Allowed (no sponsor needed)
- PERM
- Waived
- Processing
- 12-36 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.