USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status

June 15, 2023

On June 12, 2023, USCIS announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status.   Premium Processing for these applications guarantees USCIS adjudicative action within 30 days of filing.  The USCIS fee for the premium processing of Form I-539 seeking change of status to F, M, or J nonimmigrant status is $1,750.  Importantly, even if USCIS accepts an applicant’s Form I-907 Premium Processing Request and accompanying fees, the time limit for premium processing will not start running until the applicant and all co-applicants included on the Form I-539 submit their biometrics.

The premium processing expansion for these Form I-539 applicants will occur in phases, and nonimmigrants requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:

• Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, 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, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
• Beginning June 26, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either 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.

Please contact the immigration attorney at LHSCD working on your case with any questions about this USCIS Premium Processing expansion.  Or, to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys, please fill out our Consultation Request Form.

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