USCIS Announces Biometric Services Fee Exemption for Form I-539

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made a significant announcement regarding the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This exemption applies to all applicants, including those filing for an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status.

USCIS Exempts Biometric Services Fee

Effective October 1st, this biometric service fee will be exempted from the application process, offering relief to applicants. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Biometric Services Fee Exemption

Starting October 1, USCIS will waive the $85 biometric services fee as part of the Form I-539 application process. If your application is postmarked on or after October 1, you are not required to pay this fee.

2. Transition Period

For applications submitted before October 1, certain applicants will still be scheduled for an ASC (Application Support Center) appointment and should attend as scheduled. However, after October 1, most applicants will not need to attend a biometric services appointment unless USCIS determines that biometrics are necessary.

3. Purpose of Form I-539

Form I-539 is used when you are physically present in the United States and wish to request initial status or change status to a V nonimmigrant. It’s also used to request an extension of your current V nonimmigrant status.

4. Refund for Mistaken Payments

If you accidentally submit the biometric services fee separately from the Form I-539 fee, USCIS will return the biometric services fee and accept the Form I-539.

However, if you combine the biometric services fee with a paper-based Form I-539 filing fee, it will be considered an incorrect filing, and USCIS will reject the Form I-539.

If you mistakenly authorize a credit card payment that combines both fees, USCIS will accept the application and only charge the application fee.

5. Wider Application of Fee Exemption

The biometric services fee exemption will apply to all applicants filing on or after October 1, including those requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant categories.

USCIS is aligning with its commitment, as stated in the USCIS Fiscal Year 2022 Progress Report, to eliminate the biometric services fee and requirement for all Form I-539 applicants.

Also Read: USCIS Takes Actions to Support H-1B Visa Holders Awaiting Green Cards

Conclusion

This update provides welcome relief for applicants seeking to extend or change their nonimmigrant status in the United States. USCIS’s commitment to simplifying the application process is a step towards more accessible immigration procedures.