Expansion of Premium Processing for F-1 Students Seeking OPT and STEM OPT Extensions
- DeHeng Immigration
- Mar 6, 2023
- 1 min read
USCIS announced on March 6th, 2023, the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking OPT and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.
With this expansion, online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now available to F-1 students in these categories. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of this form by mail. Premium processing expansion for certain F-1 students will occur in phases:
Beginning March 6, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765 with USCIS.
Beginning April 3, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with Form I-765.
To file Form I-907 online, an applicant must create a USCIS online account to submit forms, pay fees, and track the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process.
The expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall immigration system, and is being implemented in a phased approach. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper versions of all forms by mail.