Another Round of Premium Processing Expansion!

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status.

The expansion of premium processing for these categories will occur in phases. Starting June 13, 2023, USCIS will accept premium processing requests (Form I-907, filed via paper form or online) for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, who have a pending Form I-539. Beginning June 26, USCIS will accept premium processing requests (Form I-907, filed via paper form or online) for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, when filed together with Form I-539.

Any premium processing requests to change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, for a pending Form I-539 made before June 13 will be rejected. Similarly, any premium processing requests to change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, filed together with Form I-539 made before June 26 will be rejected.

Keep in mind that all applicants included on Form I-539 must submit their biometrics before premium processing can begin. The time limit for premium processing will not start until all applicants included on the Form I-539 submit their biometrics for these specific categories, even if an applicant’s Form I-907 and accompanying fees were accepted by USCIS.

USCIS is working step-by-step to address the backlogs and processing-time issues.