A method and system for processing a handover request in a wireless network. The method includes receiving a first message from a first base station by a mobile station. The first message includes a handover request, the handover request includes a priority indicator, and the priority indicator indicates a priority level selected from a plurality of priority levels. Additionally, the system includes determining the priority level based on at least information associated with the first message by the mobile station, processing information associated with the priority level by the mobile station, and determining at least one criterion based on at least information associated with the priority level by the mobile station. Moreover, the system includes processing information associated with the handover request and the at least one criterion by the mobile station.