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ARTICLE · 20 MARCH 2023

USCIS Expands Premium Processing To Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT And STEM OPT Extensions

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
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Following up on their commitment to improving efficiency and reducing processing times within the immigration system, USCIS will now start accepting premium processing requests for students...

United StatesImmigration
Nyasha Pendleton
Nyasha Pendleton
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Following up on their commitment to improving efficiency and reducing processing times within the immigration system, USCIS will now start accepting premium processing requests for students applying for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) under their Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT. Specifically, this expansion of the premium processing program will apply to students who submit Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization seeking approval for:

  • Pre-Completion OPT;
  • Post-Completion OPT; or
  • 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students.

This welcome addition to premium processing for certain F-1 students will occur in phases beginning on March 6, 2023. On that date, USCIS will accept Requests for Premium Processing Service for F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765 and are seeking authorization in the above-mentioned categories. Beginning April 3, 2023 USCIS will accept

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