FORM GUIDE
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers — Complete Guide (2026)
The core filing for employment-based green cards including EB-1A and EB-2 NIW.
Start Your Petition
Green Card Path
Premium Processing
AC21 Portability
Quick Answer
Form I-140 is the immigrant petition that starts your green card process. The filing fee is $700. Premium processing ($2,805) guarantees a 15-business-day response. Once approved, your priority date is established, and you can proceed to I-485 adjustment of status or consular processing.
What Is Form I-140?
Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, is the petition filed with USCIS to classify a foreign national under one of the employment-based immigrant categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3). An approved I-140 is the first step toward an employment-based green card.
For EB-1A and EB-2 NIW, the beneficiary can self-petition. For other EB categories, the employer typically files the I-140 after obtaining a labor certification (PERM).
Priority Dates and Visa Bulletin
Your priority date is established on the date your I-140 is received by USCIS. This date determines your place in line for an immigrant visa. You can track your priority date against the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State.
AC21 Portability
Under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21), if your I-140 has been approved and your I-485 has been pending for 180 days or more, you can change employers without losing your green card application — as long as the new job is in the same or similar occupational classification.
I-140 Filing Fees
Fee Type
Amount
Fee Type
$700
Premium Processing
$2,805
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file I-140 and I-485 at the same time?
What happens if my I-140 is denied?
How long is an approved I-140 valid?
Ready to Take the First Step
Toward Your U.S. Visa?
OpenSphere helps immigrants navigate every stage of the visa process
from profile evaluation to attorney collaboration and
final approval with expert guidance and AI support.
