I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers

Form I-140 is filed by an employer to sponsor a foreign worker for an employment-based green card. It establishes that the worker qualifies for one of the employment-based immigrant visa categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, or EB-5).

Quick Facts

Official NameI-140 — Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Filing Fee$715
Processing Time6–12 months (15 business days with premium processing)
Premium ProcessingAvailable ($2,805)

Purpose

Prove that the foreign worker and the job offer meet the requirements for an employment-based immigrant visa category.

Common Case Statuses

  • Case Was Received
  • Case Is Being Actively Reviewed
  • Case Was Approved
  • Request for Evidence Was Sent

Tips

  • Premium processing is available for I-140 and guarantees a response within 15 business days
  • An approved I-140 establishes your priority date, which determines when you can file I-485
  • After 180 days with a pending I-485, an approved I-140 allows you to change employers under AC21 portability
  • If you change employers, the new employer must file a new I-140, but your original priority date may be retained

Related Forms

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For official information, visit the USCIS I-140 page.