@diego I Hi Diego, thanks for sharing the details. Since you filed your I-140 in Aug 2024, paying the premium processing fee usually guarantees a 15-calendar-day adjudication window for most categories. One thing to keep in mind: occasionally, USCIS can suspend premium processing for specific countries or visa categories, or they may continue processing but only once the hold is lifted. For Venezuelan nationals, there haven’t been any current blanket restrictions for typical employment-based I-140 categories, but it’s always good to double-check USCIS announcements before paying. Quick question to give more precise guidance: what I-140 category did you file (EB1, EB2, EB3, etc.)? Processing rules can vary by category.

Hi, it was EB2-NIW

@diego I Thanks for confirming, Diego! Since your I-140 is EB2-NIW, premium processing is generally available and usually guarantees a 15-calendar-day adjudication. For Venezuelan nationals, there haven’t been any current country-specific restrictions for EB2-NIW, so paying the fee should generally work. That said, timing and processing can vary slightly depending on the service center and current USCIS workload. Some applicants also like to double-check that all supporting evidence for the NIW (education, work, publications, recommendation letters) is complete before submitting premium processing to avoid any RFE delays. If you want, I can walk you step-by-step on whether it’s the best time to pay PP and how to prepare your submission to minimize delays — it’s easier to go through privately so we can make sure nothing is missed.

@Chelsea Wright I am from one of the partially banned country and my case has been pending since 2024. Do I pay pp or wait it out?

@Chelsea Wright Stop scamming people.

@ines ines That’s false and irresponsible. I don’t scam anyone, and I don’t offer paid services or guarantees here. If you have a real issue, state it clearly, otherwise, stop making baseless accusations.

@Testimony N Thanks for sharing, Testimony, that’s a very valid concern. Being from a partially restricted country does NOT automatically prevent USCIS from adjudicating an I-140, including premium processing. The travel restrictions mainly affect visa issuance and entry, not whether USCIS can make a decision on the petition itself. That said, whether paying for PP makes sense depends on a few things, like your I-140 category, service center, and how strong/complete the filing is. In some cases, PP leads to a quick approval; in others, it may result in an RFE instead of a decision. One quick question so I can give more precise guidance: what I-140 category did you file under (EB1, EB2/NIW, EB3, etc.)?

premium processing for eb-2 niw 45days. I have mine pending since 25th July. I have decided against PP at this time.

@MG S is it 25th July 2025, also which country please? Just curious

@MJ Garba I mean 25th July 2024 my priority date at Texas Centre. Still waiting.

@MG S yea i think im going for pp, but im scared for the outcome

Tengo entendido que cualquier pausa es con la I485 para adjudicar una decisión. No con las I140.

@Chelsea Wright do you think PP has bigger chance of denial I140? My case has been over then 600 days and I am really anxious

@it’s me T I understand your anxiety, waiting that long can be very stressful. Premium Processing itself does not increase the risk of denial; it only speeds up a decision. Many long-pending cases are approved once USCIS finally reviews them, especially when the record is strong. What often makes the difference is how clearly the petition addresses the NIW criteria and whether the evidence is well-organized and updated. I don’t provide legal advice, but I do help applicants review, strengthen, and clearly present their petition letters and supporting documents so their case is easier for an officer to evaluate. If you’d like, I can take a look from a document-quality perspective and help you improve clarity and structure before any next step.

@Chelsea Wright thank you for replying me. I will think about it

@it’s me T you’re welcome