You may be wondering how long it will take you to get an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petition approved. And next you may be wondering what you can do to speed things up. You may have heard about “premium processing.” You may be wondering how you can use premium processing. Here, we’ll address the connection between premium processing and the EB-2 NIW petition.
What is Premium Processing?
First, it will be helpful say what premium processing is. Premium processing provides expedited adjudication for certain employment-based petitions. Through premium processing, USCIS guarantees the adjudication of certain petitions within 15 calendar days. If USCIS does not fulfill the guarantee, USCIS will refund the premium processing fee. And, even if the USCIS refunds the fee, the petition will continue to receive expedited processing.
Premium Processing and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Premium processing is not available for EB-2 NIW petitions. An EB-2 NIW petition will go through regular processing, which usually is not a travesty: USCIS has processed these petitions fairly quickly in recent years.
Still, it is worth noting something. It is worth noting that petitions in related employment-based categories, let’s call those categories cousins of the EB-2 NIW category, are eligible for premium processing. These cousins include the EB-1A category (for foreign nationals of extraordinary ability) and the EB-1B category (for outstanding professors and researchers).
The non-availability of premium processing may not be welcome information for those set on seeking an EB-2 NIW; however, the information will be helpful when it comes to planning, having a strong idea of fast the adjudication of the petition will go.
Now, to get your EB-2 NIW case underway, go ahead and reach out to us. You’ll receive an evaluation of your credentials from a Fintus Immigration lawyer and you’ll learn how we can super-charge your EB-2 NIW journey.