INS Premium Processing Service

Dennis C. Jett, Dean

The Immigration and Naturalization Service has announced a new service called “Premium Processing” where for a $1,000 fee the INS will guarantee applications for certain types of work visas will be processed within 15 calendar days. Only the employer may complete and submit the form I-907 required for this service, but either the employer or the individual receiving the visa may pay the $1,000 fee.

At the University of Florida, the hiring department or the individual for whom a visa petition is filed may elect to pay the fee. Currently, O-1 and O-2 visa applications can benefit from Premium Processing. On July 30, 2001 it will become available for H-1B and TN NAFTA visa applicants. O-1 and O-2 applications now on file with the INS, and after July 30 requests for H-1B and TN visas already on file, may receive Premium Processing if the fee is paid. The INS will handle any associated dependent petitions concurrently filed with a petition where Premium Processing is requested within the same 15-day period without requiring an additional fee.

A hiring department may request Premium Processing by sending a letter to Barbara Wilkie at the International Center enclosing a check made out to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for $1,000. The International Center will complete and forward the request to the INS. The $1,000 Premium Processing fee must be provided in a separate check, in addition to all other regular filing fees.

With payment of the $1,000 fee, the INS will issue either an approval, a notice of intent to deny, a request for further evidence, or notice of investigation for fraud or misrepresentation within 15 calendar days. If there is a request for more evidence, notice of intent to deny, or notice of an investigation, the INS will have an additional 15 days to adjudicate the case once the requested information or a response is received. If the INS does not act within 15 calendar days, the Premium Processing fee will be refunded, but the case will continue to be expeditiously handled.

For more information about this process, please contact Barbara Wilkie at bwilkie@ufic.ufl.edu or at (352) 392-5323 extension 651 or SUNCOM 622-3523.