Game Changer: USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change to F, M, or J Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. For all applicants requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status, premium processing or expedited processing is now available. These applicants will be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, online or via paper form.
The premium processing expansion for these categories will occur in phases.
Beginning 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.
Beginning June 26, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed via either 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 a Form I-539.
The Service states they will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-539 if received the request before June 13. USCIS will also reject premium processing requests when filed together with a Form I-539 if received the request before June 26.
Important Reminders
All applicants included on Form I-539 must submit their biometrics before premium processing can begin. Even if CIS accept 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, for these specific categories.
Please note, USCIS may reject your Form I-907 and/or Form I-539 if it is submitted with another benefit request, including multiple Form I-907 requests filed together. You must submit Form I-907 the same way you submit Form I-539:
If you mail a paper Form I-539 to us, you must mail us a paper Form I-907; OR
If you submit Form I-539 online, you must submit Form I-907 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 a pending case. There is no cost to set up a USCIS online account, which offers a comparable user experience over paper filing.
Only F-1, F-2, M-1 and M-2 students, and J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors may file Form I-907 online at this time. Applicants who file a paper Form I-907, or any other USCIS form, can create a USCIS online account to track the status of their case and sign up for case notifications.
Additional Information
USCIS is committed to making technology and operational improvements to reduce processing times. As previously announced, we are expanding premium processing to additional form types as part of our efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the overall immigration system.
The agency will adhere to the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which prohibits the expansion of premium processing if it will increase processing times for regular immigration benefit requests.
About Us
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We are happy to provide free initial consultations for any and all immigration matters, including seeking second opinions for those already represented.
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