USCIS accepts premium processing requests of I-765 for students applying in 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

Premium processing provides a guaranteed 30 business day processing time for an I-765. USCIS is accepting requests for premium processing either at the same time as filing the I-765 or added on later (via the File Form Online option in your USCIS account).

USCIS has recently announced that they are raising the fee for premium processing for I-765 pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT and STEM OPT applications. The fee for premium processing is changing from $1,685 to $1780 on March 1, 2026.

OIS recommends that students give careful consideration before filing for premium processing of their I-765. It is important to consult the USCIS processing time website and take into account your own filing timeline when considering if premium processing is the right choice for your application. If you have questions, please consult with an OIS advisor before filing for premium processing.