USCIS announced the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions who have a pending I-765 Application for Employment Authorization and wish to request a Premium Processing upgrade. 

Online filing of Form I-907 Request for Premium Processing is now also available to F-1 students with pending OPT and STEM OPT applications. 

The expansion of Premium Processing for F-1 students will occur in phases, and F-1 students requesting Premium Processing should not file before these dates:

• Beginning on March 6, 2023, USCIS will accept Premium Processing requests (paper or online) for F-1 students with pending Form I-765 Applications for Pre-Completion or Post-Completion OPT) and STEM OPT Extensions.

• Beginning on April 3, 2023, USCIS will accept Premium Processing Requests (paper or online) for F-1 students filing their initial Form I-765 Applications for Pre-Completion/Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extensions.

The Premium Processing fee for Form I-765 Employment Authorization for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT applications is $1,500.00 and the processing time is 30 days.