Forms for O-1, EB-1A and EB-2 NIW: which one does what
Updated: Author: Alina Kanametova
The talent-visa path runs through a dozen forms, and half the trouble comes not from the evidence but from the paperwork: the wrong box, one payment instead of two, a receipt mistaken for an approval. Each form here gets the same treatment: what it is, who files it, when it is needed, what it costs, how long it takes and where people slip.
In short: O-1 starts with an I-129 from the petitioner and ends with a DS-160 at the consulate; the green card is an I-140 (with an I-907 if you like), a wait for your date in the Visa Bulletin, then an I-485 with I-765 and I-131 inside the US or a DS-260 at the consulate. Family goes through the I-539, a denial is contested with the I-290B, and the G-28 and G-1450 are representation and payment.
The petition
- I-129$530
Petitioners use this form to file on behalf of a nonimmigrant worker to come to the United States temporarily to perform services or labor, or to receive training, as an H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 nonimmigrant worker.
Read - I-140$715
Use this form to petition for an alien worker to become a lawful permanent resident in the United States.
Read
Speed and notices
- I-907$2,965
Use this form to request faster processing of: Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker ; Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers ; Certain categories of Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization ; and; Certain classifications of Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status .
Read - I-797no USCIS fee
USCIS uses numerous types of Form I-797 to communicate with applicants/petitioners or convey an immigration benefit.
Read
The consulate
Green card from inside the US
- I-485$1,440
Use this form to apply for lawful permanent resident status if you are in the United States.
Read - I-131$630
Use this form to apply for travel documents, parole documents, or arrival/departure records.
Read - I-765$260
Certain aliens who are in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Read
Family and status
- I-539$470
Requests for extension of stay in, or change of status to, certain employment-based classifications must be filed using Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker , rather than Form I-539.
Read - I-129F$675
Use this form to petition to bring your: Fiancé(e) (K-1) and their children (K-2) to the U.S.
Read
After a denial
Representation and payment
- G-28no USCIS fee
An attorney or accredited representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, to establish eligibility to represent a client in an immigration matter before USCIS.
Read - G-1450no USCIS fee
Authorization for Credit Card Transactions
Read
Covered in their own articles
Based on: USCIS fees · checked Oct 11, 2026 · G-1055 - the current fee schedule
Sources
From community discussions
«20 months is very conditional. If officers are busy with premiums, and even there the queue accumulates and they sometimes miss deadlines, what can you say about the regular process? It might take indefinitely, not just 20 months. Even if it's 20 months, an RFE will come after that, and then you'll wait another 20 months. That's a total of 40 months (over 3 years). Now, there are bans on immigration visas for many, so maybe there will be fewer petitions submitted, and timelines may shorten. But USCIS has become very spoiled with premiums. And whenever a request for expedited processing is made, they say - submit a premium, there's no problem speeding it up.»
Dmitriy · from public community chats
«Always. They won't send anything to your email by default. You need to request it. Send them an email from the address you used in form 907: Dear USCIS Premium Processing Team, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request that the recently issued NOID for my Form I-140 (Receipt Number **IOE**....)**.** Thank you for your assistance. Please let me know if any additional information is needed. Best regards, send the text here: if Nebraska NSC-Premium.Processing.dhs.gov here if Texas TSC-Premium.Processing.dhs.gov They will most likely send it to your email, previously they also sent it via fax.»
Igor · from public community chats
«I applied for O1/EB1 a total of 3 times - **all premium**, initially the O1 case was weak, (only 3 points and they were pulled out of thin air) - first there was RFE and then a denial. Then, after 2 years - O1 with 6 points - approval without RFE, for EB1 - all points were strengthened, and also approval without RFE. The lawyers explained this similarly to what you are saying, that overall, they look at any case with the same time frame. Roughly speaking, they take 3 premium, 1 not, and as a result, the queue for non-premium just sits for months (or years).»
community member · from public community chats
Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.
Frequently asked
- Which form starts an O-1?
- With the I-129, filed by the petitioner - an employer or agent; you cannot file it for yourself. After approval comes the I-797 notice, and the DS-160 is filled in for the consular visa.
- What are the fees for an EB-1A self-petition?
- $715 for the I-140 and a $300 Asylum Program Fee - as two separate payments. Optionally premium processing (I-907) at $2,965. Inside the US, the I-485 follows at $1,440 (plus I-765 $260 and I-131 $630).
- Is a G-28 needed for a self-petition?
- No. The G-28 is filed only when a licensed attorney or accredited representative acts for you. In an EB-1A or NIW self-petition you are the petitioner, and the form is not needed.
Reference information from public USCIS and State Department rules, not legal advice. Fee amounts change: check them against the calculator on uscis.gov before sending.