Premium Processing for OPT/STEM
provides expedited processing on Form I-765 for an additional governmental fee. In exchange for the additional fee, USCIS guarantees that it will take some adjudicative action (approval, denial, request for evidence, notice of intent to deny) within 30 calendar days.
Once your OPT or STEM OPT application is approved, it generally takes another 2 weeks to receive the EAD.
OPT: For regularly filed Optional Practical Training applications, if you submit your application to USCIS at the start of the application window, there may not be a need to use this service. We find that many of our graduating students who apply 90 days before graduation will have their EAD around graduation or shortly afterward.
STEM OPT: In most cases, Premium Processing is not necessary for the STEM OPT extension. Applications submitted to USCIS before the end date listed on their 12 months OPT Employment Authorization Document receive an automatic to travel and work in the US. This 180 day extension only applies to timely submitted STEM OPT applications.
When to do premium processing?
- If you have international travel plans right after graduation that cannot be changed if your card takes longer than usual.
- If there is a delay in submitting your application and you have an employer start date that cannot be changed.
- If having the result of your application will help you with planning and the fee isn’t a financial hardship.
An ISGSS staff can guide you in the process, but ultimately it will be your decision based on your upcoming plans and financial circumstances.
Please note that if a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) is issued the Premium Processing clock will be stopped to allow for response time.
How to file premium processing
- Log into your existing USCIS online account (the same account you used when you applied for your pending OPT/ STEM OPT application)
- Click My Account > File a Form Online
- Select the form you want to file online > I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service > Continue
- Select between the following options, whatever applies to your situation.
- You should then add premium processing to an existing case (your current pending OPT/STEM OPT application).
- Submit and pay.
- Keep a copy of your receipt.
Any questions, please email ISGSS@lewisu.edu
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