Premium Processing Available for Certain F-1 EAD Applications

As previously forecasted, USCIS has now expanded  premium processing service to I-765, Applications for Employment Authorization, filed by certain F-1 students seeing work authorization in connection with Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Effective March 6, USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, filed by F-1 students who currently have an I-765,  Application for Employment Authorization pending with USCIS, provided the I-765 was filed in one of the following categories:

• (c)(3)(A): Pre-Completion OPT;
• (c)(3)(B):  Post-Completion OPT; or
• (c)(3)(C):  STEM OPT Extension (24 months).

The I-907 premium processing upgrade may be filed via paper submission or online.  Applicants wishing to submit an I-907 online must first create a USCIS online account. There is no fee to create the USCIS online account. The I-907 application fee is $1,500. The I-765 application will be adjudicated within 30 calendar days of receipt of the premium processing request or the premium processing fee will be refunded.

LOOKING AHEAD

Beginning April 3, USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, when submitted concurrently with the initial filing of the I-765 if the application is filed in one of  the above-referenced categories.

In May, USCIS expects to expand premium processing to certain F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors with pending Form I-539, Applications to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

In June, USCIS expects to expand premium processing to F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors filing initial Form I-539 applications.

Additional information from USCIS about premium processing upgrades and online filing is available here.

For more information, please contact your designated Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.