Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, is a pivotal step in the employment-based U.S. permanent residency process. Here's a comprehensive overview of its purpose, filing fees, processing times, and recent updates as of 2025:

Purpose of Form I-140:

Form I-140 is filed by U.S. employers to petition for an alien worker to become a permanent resident in the United States. It's applicable to various employment-based immigrant visa categories, including:

• EB-1: Priority workers, such as individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, and certain multinational executives or managers.
• EB-2: Professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional abilities in specific fields.
• EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.

Filing Fees (Effective April 1, 2024):

The total cost of filing Form I-140 comprises two main components:

1. Base Filing Fee: $715 for all petitioners. citeturn0search10

2. Asylum Program Fee: Introduced to support asylum processing costs, this fee varies based on the petitioner's profile:

   • Standard Fee: $600 for most petitioners.
   • Reduced Fee: $300 for small employers with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
   • Exemption: Nonprofit organizations are exempt from this fee.

It's essential to note that the base filing fee and the Asylum Program Fee must be paid separately. citeturn0search15

Payment Methods:

USCIS accepts various forms of payment, including:

• Money orders.
• Personal checks.
• Cashier’s checks.
• Credit or debit cards using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

Checks should be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. citeturn0search1

Processing Times:

As of early 2025, the median processing time for Form I-140 is approximately 7.6 months. However, processing durations can vary based on the specific employment-based category and the service center handling the petition. For the most current and specific processing times, it's advisable to consult the USCIS Processing Times tool. citeturn0search0

Premium Processing:

USCIS offers a premium processing service for Form I-140, which expedites the processing to 15 calendar days. To utilize this service, petitioners must file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, and pay an additional fee. It's crucial to submit separate payments for Form I-140 and Form I-907 to avoid rejection of the entire package. citeturn0search9

Recent Updates:

• Fee Adjustments: On January 31, 2024, USCIS published a final rule adjusting certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. These changes aim to help USCIS recover operating costs more fully and support timely processing of new applications. citeturn0search3

• Asylum Program Fee: Introduced in 2024, this fee supports the costs associated with asylum processing in the U.S. citeturn0search15

Conclusion:

Form I-140 is a critical component of the employment-based green card process. Understanding the associated fees, processing times, and recent updates is essential for employers and beneficiaries navigating this pathway. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official USCIS resources or consult with an immigration professional.