The USCIS announced the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now also available to F-1 students in these categories.
The following information has been taken from the USCIS website on premium processing procedures at this time (03/17/2023):
| Designated Classification Within Form I-140 | Corresponding Employment-Based (EB) Immigrant Visa Classification | Availability Date1 | Termination Date2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aliens of extraordinary ability | E11 | Nov. 13, 2006, and reinstated June 29, 20093 | |
| Outstanding professors and researchers | E12 | Sept. 25, 2006, and reinstated June 29, 20093 | |
| Members of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability not seeking a National Interest Waiver | E21 | Sept. 25, 2006, and reinstated June 29, 20093 | |
| Skilled workers4 | E31 | Aug. 28, 2006, and reinstated June 29, 20093 | |
| Professionals4 | E32 | Aug. 28, 2006, and reinstated June 29, 20093 | |
| Workers other than skilled workers and professionals | EW3 | Sept. 25, 2006, and reinstated June 29, 20093 |
| Designated Classification Within Form I-140 | Corresponding Employment-Based (EB) Immigrant Visa Classification | Availability Date1 | Termination Date2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multinational executives and managers | E13 | As of Jan. 30, 2023, all pending and initial Form I-140 petitions under an E13 multinational executive and manager classification are eligible to request premium processing. | |
| Members of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver | E21 | As of Jan. 30, 2023, all pending and initial Form I-140 petitions under an E21 NIW classification are eligible to request premium processing. |
1 The availability date is the date that the classification was initially deemed eligible for premium processing.
2 The termination date reflects the last day that we accepted filings requesting that specific classification. If a date is entered in this column, that classification is currently ineligible for premium processing.
4 If designated as available. Please see the section on additional conditions placed on premium processing availability.
| Form I-765 Category | Description | Availability Date | Termination Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| (c)(3)(A) | F-1 student, pre-completion Optional Practical Training | Please refer to the upgrade chart below for pending and concurrently filed applications. | |
| (c)(3)(B) | F-1 student, post-completion Optional Practical Training | Please refer to the upgrade chart below for pending and concurrently filed applications. | |
| (c)(3)(C) | F-1 student, 24-month extension for STEM Optional Practical Training | Please refer to the upgrade chart below for pending and concurrently filed applications. |
Premium Processing for E13 Multinational Executives and Managers or E21 with National Interest Waiver
Beginning June 1, 2022, USCIS began phasing in premium processing for E13 multinational executives and managers. On July 1, 2022, USCIS began phasing in E21 petitions seeking a national interest waiver (NIW) and additional E13 multinational executive and manager petitions. As of Jan. 30, 2023, all pending and initial Form I-140 petitions under an E13 multinational executive and manager classification and E21 NIW classification are eligible to request premium processing.
Premium Processing for F-1 Students Seeking OPT and STEM OPT extensions
Beginning March 6, 2023, USCIS began phasing in premium processing for F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions. Online filing of Form I-907 is also available to F-1 students in these categories. Please refer to the chart below regarding the upgrade schedule and when new applications may be filed with the request for premium processing.
| Start Date | Corresponding USCIS Form Type |
|---|---|
| March 6, 2023 | Pending Form I-765 previously filed |
| April 3, 2023 | Form I-765 concurrently filed with Form I-907 |
Please reach out to our office if you wish to use premium processing in your application.