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Alert

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026 and will affect members of the international community in different ways. As OISS gathers more information and communicates specific guidance to individuals and groups, we ask that members of the international community refer to the DHS Rule on Admission and Extension webpage as an up-to-date resource. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned .

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USCIS Premium Processing

The following benefit requests are designated under the regulations for Premium Processing Service. Please be aware that you may only request premium processing for a benefit if USCIS has announced on its website that premium processing is available for that benefit. Your request for premium processing must also comply with any conditions that may apply. To determine if Premium Processing is available for your benefit request, visit the USCIS website at  or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

Table of USCIS premium processing fees

Form 

Classification or Category Designated for Premium Processing

Fee

Processing Time
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status E-1, E-2, E-3, F-1, F-2, H-4, J-1, J-2, O-3 $2,075


 Up to 30 days business days


Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

I-765 categories


$1,780

 


Up to 30 business days

Note: Premium processing time does not account for EAD production and EAD mail delivery time. Allow 1 - 3 weeks additional time for production & mail delivery of the EAD.
Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, O, or TN

$2,965

 Up to 15 business days

More Information on USCIS Premium Processing

When do I file a request for Premium Processing?

You may file your request for Premium Processing Service with the applicable petition or application. You may also file the request for Premium Processing Service after you file the applicable petition or application, as long as USCIS has not made a final decision on the applicable petition or application.

Paying Premium Processing Fees

The Premium Processing fee is in addition to all other applicable filing fees.

Form I-907 may not be filed by a beneficiary or co-applicant of the primary form for which premium processing is being requested.

You must pay for Premium Processing Service with a separate check or money order. (For example, one check or money order attached to the relating petition or application, and one check or money order attached to Form I-907).

Can I file a premium processing request online?

Only certain F-1 students seeking OPT or STEM OPT extensions, or applicants requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status, may  at this time. If you file a paper Form I-907, or any other USCIS form, you can create an online account to track the status of your case and sign up for case notifications.

To file Form I-907 online, you must first create a , which provides a convenient and secure method to submit forms, pay fees, and track the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process. There is no cost to set up a USCIS online account. If you have previously filed a USCIS form online, you may use your existing USCIS online account.

OPT/STEM OPT Extension students – Special considerations

Filing for premium processing with the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization is optional. Prior to paying the premium processing fee, OISS recommends that you consider the following: 

  •  
  • The amount of time before your intended OPT employment start date 
  • Whether you need your EAD for travel purposes after your I-20 end date 

To check processing times for any type of OPT application, go to  and select: 

  • “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”, 
  • “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and  
  • “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center” 

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