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USCIS expands eligibility for premium processing

On January 12, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced further expansion of premium processing eligibility for certain immigration benefit requests and classifications.

Beginning January 30, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for all pending and initial Form I-140 Immigrant Petitions requesting the EB-2, National Interest Waiver classification (NIW).

In March 2023, USCIS will expand premium processing to F-1 students with pending Forms I-765 for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the STEM OPT extension. Then in April 2023, USCIS will expand premium processing to F-1 students filing initial Forms I-765 for OPT and the STEM OPT extension. Specific dates for each group will be announced by USCIS in February.

Lastly, USCIS expressed its intention to expand premium processing for students and exchange visitors filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, possibly in May or June of this year.

The Office of International Services will continue to monitor changes to USCIS premium processing eligibility and update the UIC and international community accordingly. Questions about this announcement can be directed to OIS at ois@uic.edu or (312) 996-3121 during our regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.