Premium Processing Now Available for F-1 Students With EAD Applications for Optional Practical Training
Effective March 6, 2023, USCIS will begin accepting premium processing applications for F-1 students who have already submitted EAD applications for pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, or STEM OPT extensions.
In other words, those with pending I-765 applications with USCIS for OPT may submit an application upgrade the pending application to premium processing. Upon receipt, USCIS will have 15 days to adjudicate the application and to issue a decision.
Starting April 3, 2023, USCIS will accept concurrently filed premium processing applications for F-1 students who are submitting I-765 applications for OPT.
This will certainly be welcome news for F-1 students who have job offers lined up after graduation and are waiting for their OPT. It is also welcome news for STEM graduates looking to extend their 1-year OPT for another 24-months.