/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

USCIS Premium Processing

Premium Processing may be requested to expedite the processing of your I-765 application. You may request Premium Processing if you are applying for:

  • Pre-Completion OPT
  • Post-Completion OPT
  • STEM OPT Extension

Premium Processing is optional and requires an additional government fee.

What Premium Processing Means

If you choose Premium Processing, USCIS will take action on your application within 30 business days (not including weekends or federal holidays).

This action may include:

  • Approval
  • Denial
  • Request for Evidence (RFE)
  • Notice of Intent to Deny

If your application is approved, your EAD card will be produced and mailed after the decision. This may take an additional 2–3 weeks.

If USCIS requests more information or a biometrics appointment, the 30-day processing period will pause. It will restart once USCIS receives your response.

Cost

Premium Processing currently costs $1,780.

This fee is separate from the Form I-765 application fee.

How to Request Premium Processing

You must submit Form I-907 through your USCIS online account.

You can request Premium Processing:

  • At the same time you submit your Form I-765, or
  • After you have already submitted your Form I-765

If you request it after submission, the 30-day processing period begins when USCIS receives Form I-907.

Important: You must first receive your I-20 recommending OPT or STEM OPT from VIS before submitting Form I-765 or Form I-907.

Should You Request Premium Processing?

Before paying the fee, consider:

  • Current USCIS processing times
  • Your intended employment start date
  • Whether you need your EAD for travel after your program end date

To check processing times: