On June 13, 2023, USCIS announced the latest phase of its effort
to expand premium processing availability to those who are
desperate to secure immigration status and related employment
authorization for foreign national workers in the U.S. Now,
applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1,
or J-2 status can seek expedited processing.
This is incredible news! However, given the various
announcements and piecemeal expansions over the last several
months, many foreign nationals and employers may be wondering what
premium processing benefits are, who can take advantage, and how
premium processing can help.
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What is premium processing?
Premium processing is a benefit offered to applicants and
petitioners for accelerated processing by USCIS. The cost and
timeframe vary based on the immigration classification sought, but
will be between 15 and 45 days and will cost between $1500-2500.
Those wishing to take advantage of expedited processing