Premium processing costs $2,805 and guarantees a 15 calendar day response from USCIS for EB-1A and EB-1C petitions. The question isn't whether premium processing exists. It's whether your immigration firm knows when you actually need it.We evaluated five top immigration consultation firms on how they handle premium processing decisions for EB-1A and EB-1C cases. The differences are striking.
Beyond Border takes a different approach to premium processing. They don't automatically upsell the $2,805 fee in every case.Their immigration specialists evaluate your specific timeline needs first. If your H-1B expires in three months, they recommend a premium to unlock extensions quickly. If you have time and want to strengthen a borderline case, they suggest standard processing.
The firm provides detailed cost benefit analysis before you commit. They calculate whether premium processing actually solves your problem or just speeds up one stage while leaving you waiting on visa bulletin backlogs anyway.Beyond Border's one month processing guarantee often eliminates the need for premium altogether. Their thorough petition preparation reduces RFE risk, making the 15 day window less critical.
Wondering if premium processing makes sense for your EB-1 case? Book a free consultation with Beyond Border for personalized timeline analysis.
Fragomen operates with 5500 professionals across 60 offices worldwide, handling massive corporate immigration programs. Their approach to premium processing reflects that scale.For corporate clients, Fragomen typically recommends premium processing as standard practice. They deliver very high service levels and remain responsive across all offices, but the one size fits all premium approach may not suit individual entrepreneurs watching budgets.
The firm excels at handling premium processing logistics for hundreds of simultaneous cases. But you'll pay for that infrastructure whether you need it or not.
BAL operates through 12 US offices with coverage in 185 countries. They process thousands of EB-1 petitions annually using their proprietary Cobalt software.Former employees report being overworked and overloaded, with quality suffering under high caseloads. This creates problems for premium processing cases where officers have just 15 days to review.
Officers reviewing premium cases under tight deadlines may issue more RFEs when petitions span hundreds of pages. BAL's volume driven model sometimes produces lengthy petitions that work against premium processing timelines.Clients report mixed results. Some cases sail through. Others hit RFEs that pause the premium clock, negating the speed advantage you paid for.
Greenberg Traurig maintains top tier ranking for Immigration Law in Best Lawyers since 2011. Their 2850 attorney global platform brings resources most boutique firms can't match.Their premium processing advice centers on compliance and risk management. They're very proactive and quick to respond on employment based immigration matters.
For EB-1C cases involving multinational executives, Greenberg Traurig's corporate immigration expertise shines. They understand when premium processing protects business operations versus when standard processing suffices.The firm works best for established companies with ongoing immigration needs rather than individual entrepreneurs filing one time EB-1A petitions.
Siskind Susser pioneered immigration law technology and maintains 95% client satisfaction across 30000 documented matters. Their tech forward approach extends to premium processing analysis.They track premium processing approval rates, RFE frequencies, and processing center performance data. This lets them advise clients based on patterns rather than guesswork.
For Indians and Chinese facing visa bulletin backlogs, Siskind Susser correctly advises that premium processing only speeds I-140 decisions while lengthy green card waits continue.Their weakness? Less specialized experience with tech startup EB-1A cases compared to firms like Beyond Border that focus specifically on entrepreneur visas.
Premium processing makes sense when you're on tight timelines, need approval before work relocation, can afford the $2,805 fee, or want faster certainty about case outcomes.It doesn't make sense when standard processing timelines work fine, when your case needs strengthening with additional evidence, or when visa bulletin delays will create waits regardless of I-140 speed.
1.How much does premium processing cost for EB-1A and EB-1C in 2025?
Premium processing costs $2,805 as of 2025 and guarantees a 15 calendar day response from USCIS for both EB-1A and EB-1C petitions.
2.Which immigration firm provides the best premium processing guidance?
Beyond Border offers the most personalized premium processing analysis, evaluating your specific timeline needs rather than automatically recommending the $2,805 upgrade on every case.
3.Does premium processing guarantee EB-1 approval?
Premium processing guarantees a response within 15 days, which may be approval, denial, notice of intent to deny, or request for evidence, not automatic approval.
4.Is premium processing worth it for Indian EB-1C applicants?
Indian EB-1C applicants often wait 24 to 48 months due to visa bulletin backlogs, so premium processing only speeds the initial I-140 stage while lengthy waits continue afterward.
5.Can I add premium processing after filing my EB-1 petition?
Yes, you can upgrade existing EB-1A or EB-1C petitions to premium processing by filing Form I-907 separately, though the 15 day clock starts when USCIS receives the upgrade request.
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