USCIS expands premium processing for applicants changing to F, M, J nonimmigrant status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that it is expanding premium processing to certain applicants who are changing to F, M and J nonimmigrant status.

Key Points:

• Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, requests 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 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.
• Online filing of Form I-907 will be available for those applying to change to F, M and J nonimmigrant status.
• This phase of premium processing expansion is only available for change of status requests.

Additional Information: Applicants are reminded that they must submit their biometrics before premium processing can begin for the categories above. The 30-day time limit for premium processing a Form I-539 will not begin until the applicant and all co-applicants included on the Form I-539 submit their biometrics.

BAL Analysis: USCIS is expected to continue expanding premium processing in the coming months but has yet to provide a detailed timeline. The 2022 Final Rule did not foresee completing the premium processing expansion until FY2025. BAL will monitor the implementation of premium processing expansions and will provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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