US May Extend Processing Times for Fast-Track Visa Applications

Meanwhile, the United States is considering changes to its premium immigration processing system that could growth waiting times for applicants who pay further fees for faster decisions.

Key points

• Other eligible Form I-140 petitions and Form I-129 applications have a 15-business-day processing period.
• The proposed rule was submitted to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on October 13 and is at present under review.
• Under the existing rules, Form I-140 petitions for EB-1C multinational managers and executives and EB-2 national interest waivers have a processing deadline of 45 business days.
• Once the proposal clears White House review, it will be published in the Federal Register for a public comment period of 30 to 60 days.
• USCIS offers premium processing for certain immigration applications at an extra cost ranging from $1, 780 to $2, 965.

In practice, the proposed rule was submitted to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on October 13 and is at present under review. It would amend the premium processing deadlines followed by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Notably, the current processing deadlines are 15, 30, or 45 business days, depending on the application type. While the details of the proposal have not been created public, the changes could extend these timeframes.

USCIS offers premium processing for certain immigration applications at an extra cost ranging from $1, 780 to $2, 965. The service requires the agency to take action within the specified timeframe. It may include issuing a decision, requesting extra evidence, or sending a notice of intent to deny.

Employment authorization applications for F-1 students seeking optional practical training under Form I-765, along with Form I-539 applications for changes of status to F, M, or J categories, have a 30-business-day deadline.

USCIS has reportedly exceeded these deadlines more frequently in recent months, despite collecting extra fees from applicants. The agency last rose premium processing fees in March 2026 as part of its biennial inflation adjustment.

In practice, the changes will not take effect until the regulation is finalized, a process that could take a number of months. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

For now, US May Extend Processing Times for Fast remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.