PREMIUM PROCESSING WILL EXPAND TO INCLUDE OPT/STEM OPT APPLICATIONS

Continuing its initiative to expand premium processing eligibility, on March 6, 2023, USCIS issued a News Release  that its premium processing program will be expanded again to include applications for OPT and STEM OPT applications.

Pending OPT and STEM OPT Applications

Beginning March 6, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907 (filed via paper or online) requests to upgrade to premium processing for pending EAD applications under the following categories:

·         (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT;

·         (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and

·         (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students.

The Form I-907 filing fee for these classifications is $1,500.

USCIS has 30 calendar days to issue an RFE, approval, or denial on premium processing upgrade requests under these classifications.

Initial OPT and STEM OPT Applications

Beginning April 3, 2023, USCIS will accept premium processing requests (filed via paper or online) for applications in the categories above when filed together with initial OPT and STEM OPT applications.