USCIS Warns Against Fraudulent Premium Processing Guarantees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) warned immigrants on September 19, 2026, against paying private individuals, businesses, or websites that promise a guaranteed faster green card, visa, or work permit. The agency stated that no private party has special government connections to speed up cases.

Applicants should be wary of anyone seeking money in exchange for speed. The warning targets entities that claim they can influence the government or move a case ahead of others. USCIS put its message plainly, saying, "No one has special connections to speed up cases."

The announcement directs applicants toward official information and authorized legal-service providers. It specifically targets offers that seem too good to be true. Paying a private intermediary does not purchase an immigration approval or a faster adjudication.

Official Premium Processing Explained

A separate, lawful government service does exist. Premium processing applies only to certain forms and categories. It requires USCIS to take an action within a published period, but it does not guarantee approval.

That action can be an approval, a denial, a Request for Evidence (RFE), or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). The service requires filing Form I-907 with a separate government fee. Paying this fee buys faster action on an eligible filing, not a favorable decision.

The service covers specific categories of Form I-129, Form I-140, Form I-765, and Form I-539. The processing windows are measured in business days, not calendar days. The fees for this service are set by the government.

The $2,965 fee for many Form I-140 cases took effect on March 1, 2026. The $1,780 figure applies to specific eligible Form I-765 filings.

Distinguishing Legitimate Service from Scams

The agency's warning separates two very different claims. A legitimate premium processing filing asks the government to act within a stated period. A scam claim asks for money in exchange for access, influence, or a promised outcome.

Businesses and websites may advertise that they can "guarantee" faster results. USCIS says those promises are false and may be fraudulent. No private payment changes the government's requirements for an eligible case.

Applicants should also treat claims of special access as a warning sign. The agency specifically cautioned against people who say they have connections inside the government. The warning does not change the underlying eligibility rules for expedited filings.

Steps Applicants Can Take

Before sending money to a third party, applicants can take specific steps. They should confirm whether their form and category qualify for Form I-907 service through official government information. They must check the published government fee and business-day period for that filing.

USCIS advises using an authorized legal-service provider when professional assistance is needed. This is preferable to using a person promising special access. The eligible forms include employment-related filings and certain other categories, but eligibility varies.

A filing that qualifies for faster action may still receive an RFE, a denial, or a NOID. Applicants should keep this distinction clear when reviewing advertisements. A government fee can request faster action where permitted. It cannot buy approval.

Published fees and processing timeframes are subject to change. USCIS states that applicants should verify current information through official government channels before filing or paying for an expedited request.