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

The news you have been waiting for is finally here. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has 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.

For the first time ever, USCIS will also allow the online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for these applicants.

When can I request Premium Processing service?

IMPORTANT: applicants may not request premium processing before the dates indicated below

The expansion of premium processing service for certain Form I-539 applicants will occur in two phases as follows:

Starting tomorrow Tuesday June 13, 2023, 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.
Starting Monday June 26, 2023, 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.

USCIS will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-539 if received before Tuesday June 13, 2023. USCIS will also reject premium processing requests when filed together with a Form I-539 if USCIS receives the request before Monday June 26, 2023.

How long will Premium Processing service take?

30 calendar days for Form I-539 applicants requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status, once all prerequisites, including receipt of biometrics, have been met. The time will not start running until the biometrics requirement has been completed.

Is Premium Processing available for extensions of stay?

No. This phase of premium processing service is only available for change of status requests.

Premium processing is not currently available for individuals seeking an extension of stay in M-1 or M-2 status.

IMPORTANT: Applicants must submit Form I-907 in the same manner as they have submitted Form I-539. For instance:

If you mail a paper Form I-539 to USCIS, you must mail a paper Form I-907.
If you submit Form I-539 online, you must submit Form I-907 online.

Biometrics Requirement

Applicants must submit their biometrics before premium processing can begin for these specific categories. Even if USCIS accepts an applicant’s Form I-907 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.

Please note, USCIS may reject an applicant’s Form I-907 and/or Form I-539 if submitted with another benefit request, including multiple Forms I-907 requests filed together.

How to File Premium Processing Online

To file Form I-907 online, an applicant must first create a USCIS online account, which provides a convenient and secure method to submit forms, pay fees, and track the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process.

There is no cost to set up a USCIS online account. When making an account, you have the ability to communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox and respond to Requests for Evidence online.

For more information about this announcement please click here.

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