What is premium processing?
Premium processing is a way for you to pay extra money to USCIS so that they will expedite processing your application. Previously premium processing was not possible for students applying for OPT.
If applicants pay $1500 to request premium processing of their OPT or STEM OPT application (this is separate and in addition to the $410 application fee for OPT itself), USCIS will review the application within 30 calendar days for a Form I-765 for F-1 students seeking OPT or STEM OPT extensions. Please keep in mind that this does not mean the application will automatically be approved within 30 calendar days, it just means that the application will be reviewed within 30 calendar days. This review means that USCIS will take one of the following actions on the application within 30 calendar days:
- issue an approval notice
- issue a denial notice
- issue a notice of intent to deny
- issue a request for evidence
- open an investigation for fraud or misrepresentation