USCIS expanded Premium Processing Services (PPS) to F-1 students who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization earlier this year. F-1 students will file a Form I-765 when seeking optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions. Upgrading the filing with a Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service guarantees a 30-day processing timeframe of the adjudication of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications.
However, the CIS Ombudsman reminds stakeholders that the production of an EAD card is not included in the 30-calendar-day PPS timeframe, if USCIS approves the Form I-765. Production of an EAD card should take about one to two weeks and then there’s additional days for the EAD card to be mailed to the recipient through the U.S. Postal Service Informed Delivery.
The Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman is an office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but independent of USCIS. It acts as a liaison between the public and USCIS, but is still part of the government.
If you have questions or concerns about yours or an international student’s OPT or STEM OPT EAD Card, contact my office at jacki@lentinivisas.com or call at +1 (630) 262-1435.