A year ago USCIS finished rolling out premium processing to all F-1 OPT and STEM OPT (category C03A/B/C) EAD applications. Pay the extra fee and the agency must adjudicate your Form I-765 within 30 business days instead of the normal 3-month slog, giving you a faster start date and peace of mind. USCIS
1. Who qualifies?
| Eligible filing | Code on Form I-765 | Premium processing available? |
|---|---|---|
| Post-completion OPT | (c)(3)(A) | Yes |
| STEM OPT extension | (c)(3)(C) | Yes |
| Pre-completion OPT | (c)(3)(B) | Yes |
Good to know: You can request premium processing with the initial I-765 or later by filing only Form I-907 and the fee receipt for your pending EAD case. Online filing is allowed for both paths. USCIS
2. 2025 fee & processing clock
- Filing fee (Form I-907): $1,685—raised on 26 Feb 2024 to keep up with inflation. USCIS
- Service pledge: USCIS must issue a decision within 30 business days (not calendar days) after receiving a complete request. USCISUSCIS
- Card production: Allow up to two additional weeks for the EAD to be printed and mailed. USCIS
3. Should you upgrade or file premium up-front?
| Scenario | Recommended action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Graduating in May/June and job starts in July | File I-765 + I-907 together | Guarantees card before start date even if there’s a summer surge. |
| OPT already pending 60+ days | Upgrade with stand-alone I-907 | Cuts remaining wait to ±2 weeks. |
| STEM OPT filed 120 days early | Standard filing is often fine | You already have 180-day auto-extension. |
4. How to file (online example)
- Create / sign in to your myUSCIS account.
- Click “File a Form Online → I-907”.
- Enter the same receipt number from your pending I-765 (starts with YSC-/LIN-/WAC-).
- Upload the I-765 receipt PDF and I-20 with OPT or STEM OPT endorsement.
- Pay $1,685 by card or ACH.
- Download the I-907 receipt notice—your 30-day clock starts the next business day.
Paper filers: mail Form I-907 to the Chicago Lockbox with a separate check. Use USPS Priority or FedEx with signature required.
5. Common RFEs (and how to avoid them)
| RFE trigger | Prevention tip |
|---|---|
| Missing I-765 receipt copy | Attach it as page 1 of your upload set or under “Additional evidence”. |
| OPT start date already elapsed | File/upgrade ≥15 days before requested start or choose a future date. |
| I-20 not endorsed within 30 days | Ask your DSO for a fresh I-20 before filing premium. |
6. Cost–benefit snapshot
| Item | Standard processing | Premium processing |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS fee | $470 (I-765) | $470 + $1,685 |
| Typical decision speed | 70–90 calendar days | ≤30 business days |
| Lost wages if start delayed* | ~$4,200 | $0 |
*Assumes $21 hourly wage, 40 hrs/week, three-week delay.
For most grads with firm job offers, premium makes economic sense.
7. Frequently asked questions
Can I request premium if my OPT application is already at the service center?
Yes. File a stand-alone Form I-907 online or by mail quoting your I-765 receipt. The decision will cover both filings. USCIS
Will premium processing speed up card production?
USCIS says the EAD card should be produced within two weeks of approval; production is outside the 30-day service clock. USCIS
What happens if USCIS misses the 30 business-day deadline?
The agency must refund your $1,685 and continue to treat the case as premium. USCIS
Can nonprofits pay a reduced fee?
No. Premium fees are set by statute and not waivable, but nonprofits may still request free “expedite” processing if they meet strict criteria. USCISUSCIS
References (curated by usaadmission.com)
- USCIS “How Do I Request Premium Processing?” — eligibility, online filing and 30-day service pledge. USCIS
- USCIS Alert, Feb 26 2024: “Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees Takes Effect Today.” — fee increase to $1,685. USCIS
- 2024 Final Fee Rule Webinar Slides — switch from calendar to business-day clock. USCIS
- USCIS Premium Processing Expansion Announcement (initial rollout).