Can I reduce the wait time with premium processing?

Yes. When available, premium processing allows you to request expedited review of your O-1 petition from USCIS for an additional fee. By choosing this service, the agency commits to reviewing the case within a defined timeframe, which can significantly reduce the wait for a decision.

Even so, it is important to be clear about what the service does and does not do:

• It speeds up the review, but does not guarantee approval of the petition.
• Requests for additional evidence can extend the timeline.
• More complex cases still require time to be resolved.
• The availability and cost of the fee may vary over time.

Therefore, before using premium processing, check the current timeframe, fee, and availability directly at the official USCIS source. Weigh the cost against the complexity of your case, and be wary of any promises of miraculous acceleration or guaranteed approval.

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.