Visa & Green Card
I-140 Processing Time 2026
Estimate your I-140 decision window — standard vs premium processing, the fee, and what happens after approval.
Educational estimate only. Not legal, tax, immigration, or financial advice. Full disclaimer below.
Data source: USCIS I-140 processing times and Form I-907 premium processing. Times are estimates that change; verify current figures on USCIS before filing.
I-140 processing time & fees
Premium processing
15 business days
Fee $2,965. NIW / EB-1C: 45 business days.
Regular processing
~4 months median, up to ~24
Half of regular I-140s are decided in about 4 months, but the range across categories and service centers is much wider — EB-1A/EB-1B are usually quickest and EB-2 NIW is consistently the slowest, running past a year.
After approval (India EB)
Years — Visa Bulletin
Approval sets your priority date; the green-card wait is the Visa Bulletin backlog.
Planning figures only — I-140 times vary by service center and premium fees change (premium rose to $2,965 on Mar 1, 2026). For India EB-2/EB-3 the dominant wait is the Visa Bulletin, not I-140 itself. Not legal advice; verify with USCIS.
Fees: the I-140 filing fee, the Asylum Program Fee and the Form I-907 premium fee are covered in full on Form I-140 explained.
I-140 Processing Time
Estimate your I-140 decision window
Standard vs premium processing, the fee, and what happens after approval.
Standard vs premium processing
Standard processing
No extra fee. Takes several months and varies by service center. Fine when you are not up against an H-1B max-out or an approaching priority date.
Premium processing (Form I-907)
Paid service. USCIS acts within ~15 business days (~45 for EB-1C / EB-2 NIW). Best when timing matters — but it speeds action, not approval or Visa Bulletin movement.
Data source: USCIS I-140 processing times and Form I-907 premium processing. Times are estimates that change; verify current figures on USCIS before filing.
Related I-140 & green card tools
EB-1A vs EB-1B vs EB-1C vs NIW
The four routes that skip PERM, a route finder, and what the choice costs an India-born applicant in years of waiting
I-140 Premium Processing
Fee, timeline & eligibility
I-140 Approved — What Next
Priority date, I-485 & H-1B extensions
Form I-140 Explained
What the petition is, and the filing + Asylum Program fees
PERM Processing Time Calculator
The step before I-140
PERM Timeline
Full green card process after H-1B
EB2/EB3 India Priority Date
When you can file I-485
EAD Processing Time
Work permit timeline & auto-extension
H-1B Max-Out Calculator
How an approved I-140 extends H-1B
Priority Date Checker
Compare your date to the bulletin
Green Card Wait Tracker
How many are ahead of you in line
Keep planning your move
Frequently asked questions
How long does I-140 take?
With premium processing, USCIS acts on most I-140 petitions within about 15 business days (about 45 business days for EB-1C and EB-2 NIW). Without premium processing, standard times commonly run several months and vary by service center — check the current USCIS I-140 processing times.
What is I-140 premium processing?
Premium processing (Form I-907) is a paid service that guarantees USCIS will act on your petition within a set number of business days. 'Act' means approve, deny, or issue an RFE — not necessarily approve. It speeds USCIS action, not Visa Bulletin movement.
How much does I-140 premium processing cost?
Fees are covered on our Form I-140 page (/uscis/forms/i-140) — always verify the current amount on the official USCIS Form I-907 page before filing, as fees change.
Can every I-140 use premium processing?
Premium processing is available for most EB-1A, EB-1C, EB-2, EB-2 NIW, and EB-3 I-140 petitions. Eligibility and timelines can change, so confirm current availability on the USCIS I-907 page.
Does premium processing improve my chances of approval?
No. Premium processing only speeds up how fast USCIS acts. It does not increase approval odds or move your priority date. A weak case will be decided faster, not more favorably.
What happens if I get an RFE?
If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, the premium processing clock pauses until you respond. Work with your attorney to respond fully and on time; the clock restarts when USCIS receives your response.
Does I-140 approval mean I get a green card?
No. I-140 approval establishes your eligibility and locks in your priority date, but you still need a current priority date in the Visa Bulletin before filing I-485. For India EB-2/EB-3, that wait is often years.
Can I upgrade a pending I-140 to premium processing?
Yes, in most cases you can add premium processing to a pending I-140 by filing Form I-907. Confirm eligibility and current timelines with your attorney.
Is this calculator legal advice?
No. This calculator is for educational planning only and is not legal advice. Estimates use general planning ranges and USCIS premium-processing SLAs. Always confirm your case with your employer's immigration attorney.
Written / reviewed by Deepak Middha · CA, Series 65
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Disclaimer, assumptions & sources
Educational and planning use only. This is not legal, tax, financial, or immigration advice, and it does not replace a CPA, an attorney, or the relevant agency.
- Numbers, forms, fees, dates, rules, and limits change at any time.
- Verify with the official source before you file, pay, or invest.
- Consult a CPA, attorney, financial advisor, or the relevant agency (USCIS, IRS, State Department) when it matters to your situation.
This calculator is for educational planning only and is not legal advice. Always confirm your case with your employer’s immigration attorney.
See our full site disclaimer for complete terms.