I-140 Premium Processing in Laguna Niguel: Fast-Track Your Employment Green Card
Expedite your employer-sponsored immigration petition with 45-day processing
Quick Answer
I-140 Premium Processing in Laguna Niguel guarantees USCIS will process your employment-based immigrant petition within 45 calendar days for $2,805, helping professionals fast-track their green card journey.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For professionals in Laguna Niguel seeking to expedite their employment-based green card, I-140 Premium Processing offers a guaranteed 45-day processing time. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab and Middle Eastern professionals navigate this expedited pathway.
What is I-140 Premium Processing?
The Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, is the key document employers file to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence. Premium processing can significantly reduce wait times from many months to just 45 days.
Who Can Use I-140 Premium Processing?
- •EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability
- •EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers
- •EB-1C: Multinational Managers and Executives
- •EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals and NIW
- •EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
I-140 Premium Processing Costs
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I-140 Base Filing Fee | $715 | Required for all petitions |
| Premium Processing (I-907) | $2,805 | Optional expedited service |
| Total with Premium | $3,520 | Employer typically pays |
| Attorney/Consultant Fees | Varies | Document preparation help |
45-Day Processing Guarantee
• Approval of your I-140 petition
• Denial with explanation
• Request for Evidence (RFE)
• Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
• Investigation for fraud or misrepresentation
If USCIS fails to take action within 45 days, they will refund the $2,805 premium processing fee and continue expedited processing of your case.
How to File I-907 Premium Processing
- 1Concurrent Filing
File Form I-907 together with Form I-140 at the same time, or
- 2Upgrade Pending Case
Submit I-907 to upgrade an already-pending I-140 to premium processing
- 3Pay the Fee
Include $2,805 premium processing fee with Form I-907
- 4Track Your Case
USCIS will issue a premium processing receipt number for tracking
Benefits of Premium Processing
- •Guaranteed 45-day processing vs. 6-12 months regular
- •Faster H-1B extensions based on approved I-140
- •Quicker priority date establishment
- •Peace of mind with predictable timeline
- •Fee refund guarantee if USCIS misses deadline
- •Faster path to employment-based green card
I-140 Approval and Next Steps
• If your priority date is current: File I-485 Adjustment of Status
• If your priority date is not current: Wait for visa availability
• H-1B workers: Can get 3-year extensions based on approved I-140
• Change employers: May be able to port I-140 after 180 days on I-485
An approved I-140 establishes your priority date, which determines your place in the green card queue.
Premium Processing for Different EB Categories
| Category | Typical Cases | Premium Processing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1A | Scientists, researchers, artists | Self-petition possible, no labor cert needed |
| EB-1B | University professors | Requires employer sponsorship |
| EB-1C | International managers | Must have worked abroad 1+ year |
| EB-2 | Master's degree holders | Most common for tech workers |
| EB-2 NIW | National interest waiver | Self-petition, no employer needed |
| EB-3 | Bachelor's degree/skilled | Requires PERM labor certification |
Common I-140 Issues and RFEs
- •Insufficient evidence of qualifying education
- •Job requirements not matching offered position
- •Ability to pay issues (employer financial documentation)
- •Specialty occupation questions for EB-2/EB-3
- •Extraordinary ability evidence insufficient for EB-1A
- •Labor certification (PERM) issues
Laguna Niguel Employment Immigration Services
- •I-140 document preparation and review
- •Premium processing filing assistance
- •RFE response preparation
- •Priority date tracking and advice
- •I-485 adjustment of status support
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does I-140 take without premium processing?
A: Regular I-140 processing currently takes 6-12 months depending on the service center and case complexity. Premium processing guarantees a response within 45 days.
Q:Can I pay for premium processing myself?
A: Yes, employees can pay the premium processing fee themselves. However, the employer must still file the I-140 petition and pay the base $715 filing fee.
Q:What happens if I get an RFE with premium processing?
A: The 45-day clock stops when USCIS issues an RFE. After you respond, USCIS has another 45 days to make a decision on your case.
Q:Can I upgrade a pending I-140 to premium processing?
A: Yes, you can file Form I-907 to upgrade a pending I-140 to premium processing at any time before a decision is made.
Q:Does premium processing help my green card come faster?
A: Premium processing speeds up the I-140 approval, but doesn't affect visa availability. Your green card timing still depends on your priority date and country of birth.
Q:Is premium processing available for PERM labor certification?
A: No, premium processing is only available for the I-140 petition, not for the PERM labor certification process which must be completed first for EB-2/EB-3.
Need Fast I-140 Processing in Laguna Niguel?
Let our team help you expedite your employment-based immigration petition. We assist professionals throughout Orange County with premium processing filings.
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