STEM F-1 Student Visa Holders Can Apply for Premium Work Permit Processing

In order to get employment authorization in the US faster, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a fast-track premium processing work permit. This is applicable for F-1 student visa holders looking for OPT (Optional Practical Training) or STEM OPT extensions with a pending Form I-765 are eligible to request a premium processing service.

So, what is Form I-765? Form I-765 is an Application for Employment Authorization which is a sort of request for employment authorization in the US, formally known as the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students must have this authorization so that they are permitted to work in the US. This is also a sort of post-study work permit in the USA for international students.

This premium work permit processing for OPT and STEM OPT extensions is set to begin from March 6, 2023, and April 3, 2023, onwards. Students who still have their Form I-765 pending can apply by creating a free account on the USCIS and filing Form I-907 which is a Request for Premium Processing Service, available for only those holding an F-1 student visa in the US. applicants will have to pay a fee to fast-track their work permit in the US application and wait for further intimation via mail.  

Check: 

• STEM Education: Overview
• Benefits of Pursuing STEM Courses
• Difference between OPT and CPT

Timeline to Apply for Premium Work Permit Processing in the US 

Since F-1 student visa holders can apply for premium work permit processing in phases, check out the timeline below for reference: 

Apply by March 3, 2023 for: 

Applications from students will be accepted for filing the Form I-907 if students file under these categories with an already pending Form I-765 both online or on-paper application: 

• (c)(3)(A): Pre-OPT Completion 
• (c)(3)(B): Post-OPT Completion 
• (c)(3)(C): 24-Month OPT Extension for STEM students 

Apply by April 3, 2023 for: 

F-1 student visa holders can apply for the above-given categories for premium processing (Form I-907) along with Form I-765 only. USCIS will accept both online and offline applications from applicants. 

Read about: 10 popular part-time campus jobs for students in the US

Students must note, that they must apply on the given proposed dates only and not before the given dates to avoid application cancellation. Thus, the pending Form I-765 will be rejected if applied before April 3, 2023, and March 6, 2023, accordingly. Hence, students must apply with caution, after reading the instructions and conditions. 

This has been announced to streamline the immigration process for international students and help them file their applications easily through the official website of USCIS. The process has become more accessible and requires not much intervention from officials.