May 13, 2021
USCIS announced that effective May 17, 2021, they will temporarily suspend the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539. Those requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, and E nonimmigrant status are affected by this rule. Instead, USCIS will adjudicate these cases based on biographic information and related background checks but without capturing fingerprints and a photograph. This suspension will apply through May 17, 2023, subject to affirmative extension or revocation of the suspension period by the USCIS director.
Background:
USCIS is experiencing a significant volume of pending cases related to Form I-539, which is particularly impacting H-4, L-2, and certain E nonimmigrants, but especially their related Application for Employment Authorization. Temporary closures and capacity limitations due to COVID-19 safety protocols created a significant volume of cases awaiting biometrics appointments at ASCs. This change in the requirement is meant to alleviate some of this backlog.
TAGS: Biometrics, I-539, USCIS
May 23, 2025
A Turning Point for Venezuelan TPS Holders Following the Supreme Court’s Decision On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a brief allowing the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) to proceed...MoreMay 22, 2025
LHSCD in the News: Wendy Hess on Navigating Immigration Law & Foreign Dentists In a recent episode of The Dental Amigos podcast, LHSCD’s Wendy Castor Hess joined Dr. Paul Goodman and attorney Rob...More