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Official form guide
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-140 is used to petition for an employment-based immigrant visa. A U.S. employer files it for outstanding professors, aliens of extraordinary ability, or advanced-degree professionals seeking a National Interest Waiver, and premium processing requires Form I-907.
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USCIS Form I-140 - Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-140 is used to petition for an employment-based immigrant visa. A U.S. employer files it for outstanding professors, aliens of extraordinary ability, or advanced-degree professionals seeking a National Interest Waiver, and premium processing requires Form I-907.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Using a typed name instead of a handwritten signature will lead to rejection of the I-140.
- 2Submitting a typed or stamped name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 3Omitting Part 9 interpreter certification when an interpreter was used.
- 4Failing to sign Part 10 when a preparer other than the petitioner completed the form.
- 5Not including Form I-907 when requesting premium processing.
Plain English
The I-140 asks a U.S. employer to request a green card for a foreign worker based on their qualifications. It includes the worker’s background, the job offer or waiver request, and any interpreter or preparer details. If you want faster processing, you must also send Form I-907.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when a U.S. employer files a petition for an outstanding professor or researcher recognized internationally as outstanding.
- Do not use it when the petitioner is not a U.S. employer or the beneficiary does not meet the outstanding professor/researcher criteria.
- Check Form I-907 instead when you need to request Premium Processing Service for an eligible I-140 classification.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need premium processing for an eligible classification
Premium Processing requires a separate request and fee
✓ Confirm eligibility on the USCIS website
Determine the correct filing fee amount
Fee schedule is listed on this fee form
✓ Verify fee matches the current posting
Petitioner is a corporation and must have an authorized signer
The petition must be signed by an officer or employee with authority
✓ Ensure signer has proper authority
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Petitioner’s legal entity name
Legal name of the U.S. employer · Employer’s corporate documents
Authorized signatory authority
Proof of officer/employee authority (e.g., corporate resolution) · Employer’s internal records
Signature
Handwritten ink signature (original, photocopy, fax, or scan acceptable) · Signed petition page
Evidence of outstanding professor/researcher status
Documentation of at least three years experience and international recognition (e.g., publications, citations) · Academic CV and award letters
Translator certification (if applicable)
Signed certification with translator’s name, date, and contact information · Translator’s statement page
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the petition category matches an outstanding professor or researcher.
- 2Verify the employer is a U.S. entity listed as the petitioner.
- 3Ensure an authorized officer or employee signs the signature block.
- 4Attach a photocopy, fax, or scanned copy of the original handwritten signature.
- 5Include all required evidence for the professor/researcher qualification.
- 6If requesting premium processing, attach Form I-907 with its fee.
- 7Review that no translation is needed, or include a certified translation if used.
- 8Check that the filing fee amount matches the schedule on Form G-1055.
- 9Confirm the mailing address is the current USCIS filing address from the website.
- 10Sign and date the preparer’s signature line in mm/dd/yyyy format.
- 11Retain a complete copy of the petition for your records.
- 12Verify the translator’s certification is signed and includes contact information, if applicable.
How to file this form
- 1Gather employer documentation, evidence of outstanding professor/researcher status, and any required translations — proof of filing.
- 2Complete Form I-140, entering petitioner and beneficiary information — proof of filing.
- 3Have an authorized officer sign the signature block and attach the original handwritten signature or an acceptable copy — proof of filing.
- 4If using premium processing, attach Form I-907 with its fee — proof of filing.
- 5Assemble the filing fee as indicated on Form G-1055 — proof of filing.
- 6Mail the completed packet to the current USCIS filing address listed on www.uscis.gov/I-140 — proof of filing.
- 7Keep the mailing receipt and a copy of the petition as evidence of filing — proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used by individuals filing for themselves; only a U.S. employer may petition.
- 2It does not apply to immigration categories other than outstanding professors or researchers.
- 3Premium processing requests must be submitted on Form I-907, not on Form I-140 alone.
- 4Do not mail the petition to the policy office address on page 11; use the filing address on the USCIS website.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
2 items
Sponsoring employer's legal name, EIN, and address.
EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1B (outstanding researcher), EB-1C (multinational executive), EB-2, EB-3, etc.
Part 2
3 items
Foreign worker's name exactly as on passport.
MM/DD/YYYY from passport.
Country of birth (determines visa bulletin priority date queue).
Part 3
2 items
Position title, duties, minimum requirements. Must match PERM labor certification if required.
Annual salary. Must meet prevailing wage for EB-2/EB-3.
Signature
1 items
Authorized employer representative signs under penalty of perjury.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The instructions are dated Draft Not for Production 06/11/2024 with an instruction date of 06/07/24; the source directs filers to the USCIS website for the most current filing address.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions show Draft Not for Production 06/11/2024 and instruction date 06/07/24.
- Fee — verify the filing fee amount on Form G-1055, as the source does not state a specific fee.
- Mailing address — confirm you use the current filing address listed on www.uscis.gov/I-140, not the policy office address on page 11.
- Signature — ensure an officer or employee with authority signs, and a photocopied, faxed, or scanned handwritten signature is acceptable.
- Premium processing — verify eligibility and include Form I-907 with its fee if you request the service.
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1Retain a complete copy of the filed petition and all supporting documents for at least five years.
- 2Await the receipt notice confirming USCIS has received the petition.
- 3Monitor case status online using the receipt number.
- 4If you are not a U.S. citizen, notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days of moving.
- 5If an error is discovered, follow USCIS instructions for correcting the petition, which may include filing a new Form I-140.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-140 is to petition for an employment-based immigrant visa.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — a U.S. employer may file for an outstanding professor or researcher with at least three years experience and international recognition.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — only an officer or employee with knowledge and authority may sign for a corporation or legal entity.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — a photocopied, faxed, or scanned handwritten signature is considered valid for filing.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — filing fee information is on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — premium processing eligible classifications require filing Form I-907 and must not be sent to a lockbox.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — see www.uscis.gov/I-140 for the most current filing address.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — do not mail the completed Form I-140 to the policy office address listed on page 11.
- SRCForm p.7 — preparer’s signature line includes date in mm/dd/yyyy format.
Common confusion points
Can I file the I-140 myself?
The form is filed by a U.S. employer, not the beneficiary.
→ Confirm petitioner is a U.S. employer.
Do I need a separate signature for the translator?
Translator certification requires its own signature.
→ Check that the translator’s signature, printed name, date, and contact info are present.
Is a scanned signature acceptable?
Instructions state a scanned copy of the original handwritten signature is valid.
→ Verify the scanned signature is clear and matches the original.
Do I send the premium processing request to the lockbox?
Source says do NOT send premium processing requests to a lockbox.
→ Submit Form I-907 to the address indicated for premium processing, not the lockbox.
Where do I mail the I-140?
The filing address is on the USCIS website; the address on page 11 is not for filing.
→ Visit www.uscis.gov/I-140 for the correct mailing address.
Do I need to include my USCIS Online Account Number?
Only if you have a receipt number beginning with IOE; otherwise you do not have an OAN.
→ Check your receipt; if no IOE number, leave OAN blank.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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Questions about USCIS Form I-140
What is USCIS Form I-140 used for?
The I-140 asks a U.S. employer to request a green card for a foreign worker based on their qualifications. It includes the worker’s background, the job offer or waiver request, and any interpreter or preparer details. If you want faster processing, you must also send Form I-907.
Who must file USCIS Form I-140?
A U.S. employer may file Form I-140 for an outstanding professor or researcher, an alien of extraordinary ability, or a professional with an advanced degree seeking a National Interest Waiver.
What information does USCIS Form I-140 require?
The petition collects the employer’s and alien’s biographic information, the classification sought, and includes Part 9 (interpreter’s contact information and certification) and Part 10 (preparer’s contact information and certification).
Where do I file USCIS Form I-140?
File Form I-140 at the filing address listed on the USCIS website for I-140 (www.uscis.gov/I-140); if requesting premium processing, also file Form I-907 with its fee.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-140?
Complete the employer and beneficiary sections, then fill Part 9 if an interpreter was used and Part 10 if someone other than the petitioner prepared the form. All required signatures must be handwritten, not typed. Attach Form I-907 when requesting premium processing. Mail the petition to the address shown on the USCIS I-140 filing page.
What happens if USCIS Form I-140 is filed incorrectly?
A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable and will cause USCIS to reject the petition.
Can I file the I-140 myself?
The form is filed by a U.S. employer, not the beneficiary. Confirm petitioner is a U.S. employer.
Do I need a separate signature for the translator?
Translator certification requires its own signature. Check that the translator’s signature, printed name, date, and contact info are present.
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