May 24, 2001
Premium Processing Program to Start June 1
INS has confirmed that it will begin its premium processing program on
June 1, 2001. According to INS sources, the program will initially include
all nonimmigrant visa types EXCEPT H-1B, TN and R. For a $1,000 fee, INS
will guarantee completion of the case within 15 calendar days, unless an
RFE is sent. The INS also intends to provide better means of communication
with respect to cases in the premium processing system. Also according to
INS sources, there will be a mechanism to convert cases filed before June
1 to premium processing. It is expected that, at most of the Service Centers,
premium processing cases will be sent to a separate address.
INS also indicates that it intends to add H-1Bs to the premium processing
program in July or August, but is not including them in the initial program
because it expects that the volume of expedite requests for H-1Bs would
be high, and it wants the opportunity to operate the program for a while
before absorbing that volume.
The notice regarding the program is expected to be published in the Federal
Register early next week. There will be a 60-day comment period, but the
program will begin before the comment period is completed.
Copyright: American Immigration Lawyers Association
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