USCIS Expands Premium Processing

in Fall 2024 Workshops
May 4th, 2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a phased-in expansion of premium processing for certain employment authorization and changes of status applications. USCIS premium processing allows for case review within a guaranteed time frame which may be more accelerated than regular USCIS case processing. Premium processing is now available for F-1 students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT Extensions. Additionally, USCIS has announced a plan to expand premium processing to I-539 applications this summer. The I-539 is a form commonly used to apply for a change of nonimmigrant status within the United States and for reinstatement of F-1 student status. Please note that premium processing requires the applicant to pay the premium processing fee, file a separate I-907 application form, by paper or online, in addition to the I-765 or I-539 application and supporting documentation.

For I-765 OPT and STEM OPT extension applicants: USCIS will require a $1500 fee to review the case and forward a response within 30 calendar days. ISSO recommends that you compare current USCIS I-765 processing times at the Potomac Service Center before deciding whether to pay for premium processing to insure a 30-day adjudication. You should also evaluate:

  • when your OPT application was or will be received by USCIS
  • your requested OPT start date
  • potential travel plans

For I-539 changes and/or extensions of nonimmigrant status applicants: USCIS has indicated they will begin accepting premium processing for pending I-539 petitions in May and concurrently for new I-539 applications in June but we are waiting on specific dates and additional details. USCIS will require a $1700 fee to review the case and forward a response within 30 calendar days. Once launched, ISSO recommends that you compare current USCIS processing times before deciding whether to pay for premium processing to insure a 30-day adjudication. You should also evaluate:

  • when your application was or will be received by USCIS
  • the expiration date of your current status and/or your requested start date
  • potential travel plans

Premium processing will begin of the day your I-907 premium processing request is received by USCIS. While it allows for a guaranteed turnaround, it does not guarantee an approval. As always, we encourage you to discuss the pros and cons of premium processing with an ISSO student or scholar advisor.