USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Non-Immigrant Status Change Applications

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Non-immigrant Status, who are seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 non-immigrant status.

Additionally, applicants will now have the option to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, online.

Phased Rollout of Premium Processing

The expansion of premium processing for certain Form I-539 applicants will be implemented in phases. It is important for non-immigrants who wish to avail of premium processing to take note of the following dates:

• From June 13, applicants with a pending Form I-539, seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, can submit Form I-907 requests via paper form or online.

• From June 26, applicants filing Form I-539 and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status can submit Form I-907 requests together with their application, either via paper form or online.

Premium Processing Service Limitations

It is important to note that the premium processing service is only available for change of status requests. Individuals seeking an extension of stay in M-1 or M-2 status are not eligible for premium processing.

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Application Rejection for Early Submissions

USCIS has made it clear that any premium processing requests for pending Form I-539 received before June 13 will be rejected. Similarly, premium processing requests filed together with Form I-539 will be rejected if submitted before June 26.

Submission Guidelines

To ensure a smooth processing experience, applicants must submit Form I-907 in the same manner as they submit Form I-539. This means:

• If a paper Form I-539 is mailed, a paper Form I-907 must be included.
• If Form I-539 is submitted online, Form I-907 must also be submitted online.

Biometrics Requirement

Before premium processing can commence for these specific categories, applicants must submit their biometrics. Even if USCIS accepts an applicant’s Form I-907 and associated fees, the premium processing time limit will not begin until the applicant and all co-applicants listed on Form I-539 have completed their biometrics.

It is worth noting that USCIS may reject an applicant’s Form I-907 and/or Form I-539 if submitted together with another benefit request or multiple Forms I-907.

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Online Filing and USCIS Online Account

For online filing of Form I-907, applicants must first create a USCIS online account.

This account provides a secure and convenient method for submitting forms, paying fees, and tracking the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process.

It is important to note that, Creating a USCIS online account is free of charge and offers various features, including the ability to communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox and respond to Requests for Evidence online.

Efficiency and Compliance

As previously announced, the expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS’ ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce burdens within the immigration system.

USCIS is implementing the expansion in a phased approach to ensure compliance with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which prohibits the expansion of premium processing if it would result in increased processing times for immigration benefit requests.