US extends premium processing of work authorization for some students on F-1 visas
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For some international students on F-1 visas, the premium processing of work authorization has been expanded in the United States.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that some F-1 students will now be able to select premium processing services.
A premium processing upgrade can be requested by F-1 students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students applying for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
For F-1 students in these categories, USCIS has also made it possible to submit Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, online.
Additionally, the most recent paper version of this form will continue to be accepted via mail.
According to a press release, premium processing will begin on March 6, with additional categories beginning on 3rd April.
“As previously announced, the expansion of premium processing is being implemented in a phased approach as part of USCIS’ efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens on the overall immigration system,” the agency stated in a statement.
US extends work authorization for some students on F-1 visas
According to USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou, “the availability of premium processing for certain F-1 students. In addition to the ease of online filing will streamline the immigration experience for a great number of international students.”
“As we continue to create operational efficiencies and increase access to the immigration system for stakeholders, applicants, petitioners, requestors, and those we serve,” he added. The ongoing expansion of online filing is a priority for USCIS.
The new online-filing procedures for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, are now available. To F-1 students who are seeking employment authorization in the above categories.
Students requesting premium processing should not file before the following dates. Because premium processing expansion for certain F-1 students will occur in phases:
Beginning March 6, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online. For certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. If they are filing under one of the following categories:
- (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT;
- (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and
- (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students.
For F-1 students in the above-mentioned categories, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests. When submitted in conjunction with Form I-765 beginning on April 3.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has stated that it will deny any premium processing requests. For an initial or concurrently filed Form I-765 that is received before April 3. Also, a pending Form I-765 is received before March 6.
Premium Processing of Green Cards
In January, the Biden Administration increased the premium processing of some important categories of applicants for green cards and some categories of F-1 visas. Particularly those related to training students from other countries.
The expansion of these categories is being carried out in phases beginning with the premium processing of EB-1 and EB-2 applications for Green cards.
[Guidance for F-1 Students Authorized to Work Based on Severe Economic Hardship]
According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services, this was in addition to all previous Form I-140 petitions for a National Interest Waiver (NIW). Under the E13 multinational executive and manager classification or the E21 classification. As a member of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
