1. USCIS sets the new Cycle Time Goals

USCIS displays the I-765 processing times on the Check Case Processing Times webpage. OPT applicants could estimate how long it would take from when the USCIS receives their applications until they hear back from USCIS regarding the application.

Although the processing time varies based on the Field Office or Service Center, it can be very discouraging as some center shows that it can take up to 11.5 months.

With the goal of reducing processing backlogs, USCIS announced its new initiatives this week to establish new internal cycle time goals. What is the “cycle time?” According to the USCIS, “A cycle time measures how many months’ worth of pending cases for a particular form are awaiting a decision.”

To put it simply, a shorter cycle time could mean fewer backlogs and faster OPT processing times. Now, based on the recent announcement, USCIS aims to establish 3 months of cycle time by the fiscal year 2023. It is indeed good news for international students, in a long run, but it wouldn’t make too many changes. OPT applicants are always encouraged to apply for OPT as early as possible.

If you would like to learn real cases on how long did it take to get an EAD card for other students and share your OPT cases, be an SV member today!. You can also get access to learn special OPT case studies.

2. Premium Processing for OPT applicants

If you are reading this topic, you may be a very proactive student and you are aware that it’s highly encouraged to apply for OPT as soon as possible. But life is not that simple and maybe you can be in a situation where you have less than 3 months left to apply for OPT. Or students who have a job lined up would like to start working as soon as possible.

In the past, students had to just sit and wait until they hear back from USCIS. No other option was available. However, in the future, students may be able to apply for Premium Processing for their OPT applications.

It is highly likely that the premium processing will be associated with the high filing fee (currently it costs $1,500 to $2,500) but it’s good to have another option when OPT is the only option to stay and work in the U.S.

How fast the premium processing is? 15 days! So basically, petitioners are paying thousands to earn 2 months and 15 days. Would this be worth it? Again, it will be depending on each individual’s case!

“USCIS intends to begin implementing, through a phased approach, premium processing availability of Form I-539, Form I-765 and Form I-140 in fiscal year 2022.”

3. Say bye to check/ money order

For international students, making a payment for the OPT application can be challenging, especially if their primary bank is not in town or they have to make a trip to get the money order.

USCIS now accepts credit card payments for all forms and at all service centers as USCIS decided to extend its credit card payment pilot program.

So, how to pay the OPT application filing fee by credit card?

Students can do so by completing Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.  According to the USCIS webpage titled Pay With a Credit Card, acceptable credit cards are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

It is worth mentioning though that OPT applicants should provide accurate information on Form G-1450 and ensure that they have enough credit limit. There are students whose OPT applications were denied due to invalid credit card transactions. To learn how the student resolved the issue and overturned the denied OPT case, be an SV member and check out the OPT forum.