Is Premium Processing Available for OPT?

Key Takeaways

Premium Processing offers faster USCIS petition processing, but is unavailable for Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications.
International students use OPT for U.S. work experience; STEM extensions allow up to 36 months employment.
Regular updates from USCIS essential; Premium Processing for OPT might be considered in future discussions.

When it comes to navigating the U.S. immigration system, understanding the options available for speeding up certain processes can be vital for students and employers alike. One such option is Premium Processing, a service provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which offers faster processing for certain immigration forms. But can Premium Processing be applied when dealing with Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students? Let’s explore the details.

What is Premium Processing?

Is Premium Processing Available for OPT?

Premium Processing is a special service that allows applicants to pay an extra fee to expedite the processing of certain immigration petitions. Generally, this service ensures that the form will be processed within 15 calendar days. If USCIS fails to do so within this time, the fee is refunded, and the processing continues. While this service has helped many applicants reduce waiting times, it is not available for all types of immigration petitions or statuses.

Understanding Optional Practical Training (OPT):

OPT is a crucial part of the international student experience in the United States 🇺🇸. It permits F-1 visa students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months before or after graduation. For students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, there is a possibility to extend this period by an additional 24 months.

Eligibility for OPT:

To qualify for OPT, an F-1 student must have been enrolled in a U.S. university on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. The student must also maintain valid F-1 student status and intend to work in a role directly related to their major.

The Application Process for OPT:

Applying for OPT requires careful planning and timing. Students must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS. The application can be submitted up to 90 days before the completion of a student’s degree and no later than 60 days after.

Can Premium Processing Be Used for OPT?

As of the latest updates, Premium Processing is not available for OPT applications. This means students cannot pay a fee to expedite the processing of Form I-765 when applying for OPT. This has been a concern for many international students who are eager to start their professional careers immediately after graduation. While discussions continue around the potential for extending Premium Processing to include OPT in the future, no official changes have occurred yet.

Processing Times and Fees:

Currently, the processing time for OPT applications can vary greatly, often ranging from 1.5 to 5 months. The standard fee for filing Form I-765 is $410, though these amounts can be subject to change. It’s important for applicants to regularly check the USCIS.gov website for the most up-to-date information on fees and processing times.

What Are Your Rights and Restrictions on OPT?

Students on OPT are allowed to work full-time in jobs directly related to their field of study. However, they must not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during their 12-month OPT period. For STEM students with a 24-month extension, they are permitted an additional 60 days of unemployment.

Pathways to Permanent Residency:

While OPT itself is not a pathway to permanent residency, it can serve as a stepping stone. International students often use OPT as an opportunity to gain valuable U.S. work experience, which can enhance their profile for work visas such as the H-1B or employer-sponsored green cards.

Real-World Scenario:

Consider a student from India 🇮🇳 graduating with a degree in Computer Science. They apply for OPT and secure a job offer with a tech giant in Silicon Valley. By the time their OPT is approved, they’ve waited almost five months, which can be stressful without Premium Processing. Planning ahead is essential, and staying informed about any potential changes to processing services is critical.

Recent Trends and Updates:

In response to growing demand, there have been discussions regarding the potential for Premium Processing or similar expedited services to be available for OPT in the future. These conversations reflect changing needs amidst a competitive global job market and increased immigration application backlogs.

Comparison with Other Visa Types:

Unlike the H-1B visa, which falls under the category eligible for Premium Processing, OPT operates differently. The lack of Premium Processing for OPT has led to calls from students and universities for policy review.

Pros and Cons of Current OPT Processing:

Pros:
– Provides valuable U.S. work experience in a student’s field of study.
– Can be an important stepping stone to further employment in the U.S.

Cons:
– Long waiting times without Premium Processing.
– Risk of unemployment if job opportunities are delayed due to processing times.

Common Misunderstandings:

Some students believe Premium Processing applies to all immigration processes, including OPT. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this is not the case for OPT applications, and planning should account for potential delays.

Further Resources:

For more detailed guidance on OPT and other related processes, it’s advisable to frequently view USCIS.gov as it remains the most reputable source for accurate and up-to-date immigration information. Additionally, consult your university’s international student office for specific support tailored to your circumstances.

In summary, while OPT does not currently benefit from Premium Processing, awareness, and understanding of the existing rules and timelines can help make the process smoother. Keeping an eye on updates from USCIS would be crucial as any future changes related to Premium Processing availability for OPT could impact planning and strategy for new graduates.

Learn Today

Premium Processing: Service offered by USCIS allowing faster processing of certain immigration forms for an additional fee.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows F-1 visa students to work in their field of study in the U.S. for up to 12 months.
USCIS: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency overseeing lawful immigration to the United States.
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization needed for obtaining work authorization for students on OPT.
STEM Extension: Additional 24-month work period for international students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics after completing the initial OPT.

This Article in a Nutshell

Premium Processing expedites U.S. immigration forms but is unavailable for Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications. International students must navigate potentially lengthy OPT wait times without this service. Planning is crucial. While future extensions of Premium Processing for OPT are discussed, staying informed through USCIS remains essential for students’ transition into professional careers.
— By VisaVerge.com