E3 I-129 Premium Processing?

[Bepster 0]

Just got a a bit of a head scratcher email from the paralegal.
Due to closed consulates, I am going through USCIS to switch from O3 to E3. This was submitted a few week ago and I got the receipt notice.

Today I was notified that the lawyer submitted a request to upgrade to Premium Processing, since this has apparently just been made available by USCIS.

I was under the impression that i-129 petitions for E3 are not eligible for PP.
I am suspecting that they confused my petition with an H1B petition and that the request will be denied.
Did the lawyer make a mistake here?

[Bepster 0]

Update: 

As expected, the request for PP was rejected. 

The lawyers explained that they sent the request in the off-chance that USCIS might make an exception as consulates and embassies are closed. 

 

One would have hoped that they would just take the money in their current situation but I guess USCIS rather clings to their rules.

Edited July 14, 2020 by Bepster

[SWB16 0]

Hi - curious if you got your E3 approval? Have been waiting for 3 months and 10 days so trying to understand processing timelines

[Bepster 0]

 

No, not yet. It's been just short of 5 months for us now.

The processing times from USCIS says that it should be processed between 2.5 - 4.5 months but we blew past that 8 days ago.

 

we tried to file for an inquiry, but only got an error message... so honestly, no idea what is going on but it seems like they are way behind the quoted "normal" processing times.

[SWB16 0]

Thanks, that's unfortunate. Esp given there is no option of premium processing here. Wonder if anyone has got their approvals here

[Bepster 0]

Not sure you'll get a lot of responses. It's a pretty niche situation.

Today, we are able to file a case inquiry. I'll report back when we get a decision.