Certain applicants of non-immigrant visas will now be able to pay their way to the head of the INS line. The service is notorious for its serious backlog problems, and company sponsors of work visa applicants have been lodging complaints to that effect. In response to delays of up to six months, the INS has launched premium processing. Among the first to benefit are foreign entertainers, athletes, agricultural workers and those with "extraordinary ability." For an extra $1,000 fee over and above regular processing fees, these applicants may now have their work visa applications processed within 15 days for a $1,000 fee, to be returned if the INS cannot meet their end of the bargain.

The new program is the result of legislation that Congress approved and then-President Clinton signed in December of 2000.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service estimates that the new program will generate some $80 million per year. Those funds will be utilized to expand INS staff thus improving the speed and efficiency of all services.

Although the agency will refund the $1000 if they fail to meet the 15-day deadline, they will continue to process such applications for the normal  $110 processing fee.

According to the INS the program will soon be expanded to include technology workers, temporary workers in religious occupations and a select few other professionals. So far, premium processing is focusing only on employment-based (non-immigrant) visa petitions, but eventually it is likely that the program will expand to other types of petitions, including immigration applications.

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06/02/01