USCIS announced that it is taking action by implementing new procedures and policies to reduce current backlogs that exist. The agency in an effort to speed up case processing times established new internal cycle time goals. The time goals include 3 months for I-765 and I-131 processing and 6 months for I-485 and I-140 non-premium processing. As part of the efforts to reduce the backlog USCIS also is expanding Premium Processing. The agency announced that premium processing will be added to expedite processing for I-140 NIW petitions, I-539 adjustment of status, and Form I-765 work authorization. The new premium processing policies will be implemented in phases with the I-140 premium processing for EB-1 multinational executive or manager and EB-2 national interest waiver cases being part of the first phase. Finally as part of the plan USCIS is working on issuing a temporary final rule entitled ""Temporary Increase of the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization and Documentation for Certain Renewal Applicants."" Through the future issuance of this final rule, USCIS is working to better manage and reduce the time related to the issuance of employment authorization documentation. While we applaud the efforts, this should have been done a year ago. USCIS has taken far too long to address EAD delays and any additional delay is unnecessary and unwarranted.
