The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman is providing the latest updates regarding the F-1 student visa process along with the filed Form I-907, which is the Request for Premium Processing Service for Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. There are reports of delays in the premium processing timeline for receiving the employment authorization document (EAD). This update outlines the anticipated process, timelines, and a recommended course of action in the event of any encountered delays.
To ensure a successful premium processing outcome, the following points are essential:
- Whenever possible, submit Form I-907 online.
- If online submission is not an option, it’s crucial to use the correct USCIS lockbox address when mailing the necessary documents.
- USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for submitting Form I-907 for Form I-765 or Form I-539 can be found online.
- Employing an incorrect mailing address could lead to rejection, necessitating additional review, resubmission, and restarting the entire process.
- Remember that the 30-day premium processing timeline does not include the time required for delivering the actual EAD. Individuals choosing premium processing must remember this additional time requirement.
Within a span of 30 days, USCIS is obligated to carry out one of the following actions:
- Approve the petition,
- Deny the petition,
- Issue a Notice of Intent to Deny, or
- Issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).
If the petition is approved, USCIS typically completes the EAD within one to two weeks. The EAD is sent to the individual using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Informed Delivery system. The timelines to receive the EAD depends on the USPS delivery schedule. The USPS tracking number for the EAD can be accessed on the individual’s USCIS Case Status Online page. In case the USPS status indicates delivery but the EAD is not received, detailed information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section within the EAD segment.
If the EAD is not received within a 30-day period post-approval, individuals should start a case inquiry.
To start working, an applicant must physically possess the EAD and present it to their employer. Unfortunately, having only the approval notice does not qualify as authorization to work.
For questions about the F-1 visa, EADs, or any other immigration-related matter, reach out to ILBSG. We actively track updates and news to provide our clients with the right advice, every step of the way.