Premium processing is an optional service offered by USCIS that is currently available for certain temporary work status and permanent residence applications. By paying the government a premium processing fee, the government will make a decision on an application or request a Request for Evidence within 15 days—rather than a few months. Many of our H-1B, L-1, O-1 and permanent resident applicants take advantage of this service, in order to have their cases adjudicated more quickly and by more senior officers.
The government fee for this service will increase from the current $1,225 to $1,410 beginning on October 1, 2018. This marks a nearly 15% increase in fees paid to the government. USCIS says it plans to hire additional staff and make investments in information technology systems with these added funds, in order to improve the adjudication process. If you are considering applying for one of the above-mentioned immigration benefits, we recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible to file your petition before the fee increase.