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.
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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
Filing fee
$715
Employers also pay the $600 Asylum Program Fee ($300 small employer, $0 nonprofit).
Premium processing
15 business days
Fee $2,965. NIW / EB-1C: 45 business days.
Regular processing
~4–8 months
Varies by service center.
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.
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
I-140 Premium Processing
Fee, timeline & eligibility
I-140 Approved — What Next
Priority date, I-485 & H-1B extensions
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?
The current USCIS premium processing fee for I-140 is shown on this page from our maintained fee data; always verify the exact 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
This tool is for general education and planning only. It does not replace advice from a CPA, attorney, financial advisor, USCIS, IRS, State Department, or other official source. Rules, limits, forms, fees, dates, and government processing information may change. Always verify before filing, investing, or making immigration, tax, or financial decisions.
- For educational use only — not legal advice.
- Not tax advice.
- Not financial advice.
- Not immigration advice.
- Numbers, forms, fees, dates, rules, and limits may change at any time.
- Always verify with official sources before acting.
- Consult a CPA, attorney, financial advisor, or the relevant official 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.