Continuingits initiative to expand premium processingeligibility, on March 6, 2023, USCIS issued a News Release that its premium processing program will beexpanded again to include applications for OPT and STEM OPT applications.
Pending OPT and STEM OPT Applications
Beginning March 6, 2023, USCIS willaccept Form I-907 (filed via paper or online) requests to upgrade to premium processingfor pending EAD applications under the following categories:
· (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT;
· (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and
· (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT forSTEM students.
The Form I-907 filing fee for theseclassifications is $1,500.
USCIS has 30 calendar days to issue anRFE, approval, or denial on premium processing upgrade requests under theseclassifications.
Initial OPT and STEM OPT Applications
BeginningApril 3, 2023, USCIS will accept premium processing requests (filed via paperor online) for applications in the categories above when filed together withinitial OPT and STEM OPT applications.