US to fast-track processing of work permits for STEM students

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on March 6 announced the phased expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions.

Students with a pending Form 1-765, Application for Employment Authorisation, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade can now do so, as per an official release. An online filing of Form 1-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now also available to F-1 students in these categories.

USCIS Director Ur M Jaddou said the availability of premium processing and ease of online filing will streamline the immigration experience of many international students.

“The ongoing expansion of online filing is a priority for USCIS as we continue to create operational efficiencies and increase access to the immigration system for stakeholders, applicants, petitioners, requestors, and those we serve,” she added.

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In FY22, the USCIS accepted more than 1.8 million online applications, petitions and requests — a 53 percent increase from the 1.2 million online filings in FY21.

The expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students will be done in phases. To avail the benefit, students will have to adhere to the below-listed dates:

Form I-907 requests (online and offline) will be accepted from March 6 for students who already have a pending Form I-765 under these categories: Pre-Completion OPT (c)(3)(A); Post-Completion OPT (c)(3)(B); and 24-month extension of OPT (c)(3)(C) for STEM students.

Form I-907 requests (online and offline) will be accepted from April 3 for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with Form I-765.

USCIS will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-765 before March 6, and premium processing requests for an initial or concurrently filed Form I-765 received before April 3.

Applicants must create a free USCIS account to submit forms, pay fees and track status. It also provides a secure inbox to communicate and respond to requests for evidence online.

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Applicants, who have already filed paper Form I-765 and wish to request premium processing for Form I-907 can refer to the USCIS account access notice for details to link their paper-filed cases to their online accounts. You must complete the link to file online.