USCIS Announces Premium Processing Service Available for Applications Filed for F-1 Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT, STEM OPT Extension
On March 6, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of Premium Processing services to applications for F-1 Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-Completion OPT), F-1 Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (Post-Completion OPT), and F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (STEM OPT).
Starting March 6, 2023: USCIS will accept premium processing requests from students with already pending OPT or STEM OPT applications that have been filed via paper form or online. Applicants must already have their Receipt Notice issued by USCIS to document the already pending OPT/STEM OPT application.
Starting April 3, 2023: USCIS will accept premium processing requests from students when filed together with application for OPT or STEM OPT filed via paper form or online.
The Premium Processing Fee, using Form I-907, for F-1 OPT/STEM OPT Extension applications, is $1,500. The Premium Processing Fee is in addition to the standard application fee for the Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization used to apply for F-1 OPT or F-1 STEM OPT Extension (the I-765 fee for OPT/STEM OPT is currently $410, but is may increase based on a pending USDHS fee proposal).
See the full USCIS announcement.
USCIS states that the expected premium processing timeline would be 30 calendar days for USCIS to make a decision on the OPT/STEM OPT application once the premium processing request has been received. Once the application is approved, it will take some additional time to receive the Employment Authorization (EAD) Card for the approved OPT or STEM OPT Extension application.
Students are not required to file an OPT or STEM OPT Extension application with Premium Processing, it is an option. Please consult your F-1 sponsor/school with any questions.