USCIS Expands Premium Processing

USCIS Expands Premium Processing


On March 6, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of Premium Processing (Form I-907) services for the following applications:

ATTENTION: The USCIS Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is OPTIONAL for OPT/STEM OPT applications. 

OPT & Premium Processing Filing Options: Students have the following options for filing an OPT/STEM OPT application, depending on their individual circumstances:

  • A) Submit their OPT/STEM OPT application under regular processing (typically 3 to 5 months) and wait to see if it is processed within their desired timeline.
  • B) Request Premium Processing (Form I-907) when submitting their initial OPT/STEM OPT application (via paper or online) to USCIS.*
  • C) Request Premium Processing (Form I-907) later for an already pending OPT/STEM OPT application (via paper or online) to expedite processing.*

Premium Processing Fees: Before submitting an application to USCIS, always verify the required fees directly with USCIS to ensure accuracy. As of March 10, 2025:

  • The USCIS Premium Processing (Form I-907) fee for OPT/STEM applications is $1,685.
    • NOTE: The Premium Processing (Form I-907) fee is in addition to the standard OPT/STEM OPT (Form I-765) application fee.
  • The USCIS OPT/STEM OPT (Form I-765) application fee is:
    • Online Filing Fee: $470
    • Paper Filing Fee: $520

Premium Processing Timelines: *USCIS states they will start processing once they “receive a ’properly completed’ application and Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.”

  • USCIS adds that they “will adjudicate premium processing requests for certain eligible and properly filed Forms I-539 and I-765 within the 30-day time frame specified by Congress.”
    • NOTE: If an OPT/STEM OPT application “requires the submission of additional evidence or a response to a notice of intent to deny, the 30-day premium processing time period will stop and reset. A new premium processing time period will begin when USCIS receives a response to the request for evidence or notice of intent to deny.”
  • After a student’s OPT/STEM OPT (Form I-765) application is approved, their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card should be produced within two (2) weeks.
    • USCIS will send the EAD card via U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail; however, delivery times for receiving the EAD card can vary depending on USPS schedules. NOTE: To ensure smooth delivery, students should place a notice inside their mailbox with their full name, stating: ‘Do Not Return Priority Mail’.
    • Students should allow 30 days from the approval of their OPT/STEM application to receive their EAD card, and they are encouraged to track the delivery of the card.
    • If an EAD card is not received within 30 days of the OPT/STEM approval date, students can submit an inquiry to USCIS.

Important Reminders

  • Premium Processing is Optional: Students can apply for OPT/STEM OPT and wait for A) regular processing, or request Premium Processing, B) with their initial OPT/STEM OPT application, or C) later with their pending OPT/STEM OPT application.
  • Possible Delays: USCIS security reviews may extend processing times, even if a student filed Premium Processing.

Students are encouraged to review all ISO Employment web pages, use the search tool located at the top of the ISO website, or consult the comprehensive FAQ section on the ISO ‘Knowledge Base’ webpage.


Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is for MIT students only. For additional questions, students should email their ISO Advisor directly.


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