Immigration News - United States USCIS officially announces suspension of biometric requirements for certain Form I-539 applicants Share this article LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) May 13, 2021 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain Form I-539 applicants. The change takes effect May 17. Key Points: This suspension will apply to applicants filing Form I-539 requesting: Extension of stay in or change of status to H-4 nonimmigrant status. Extension of stay in or change of status to L-2 nonimmigrant status. Extension of stay in or change of status to E-1 nonimmigrant status. Extension of stay in or change of status to E-2 nonimmigrant status (including E-2C (E-2 CNMI Investor)). Extension of stay in or change of status to E-3 nonimmigrant status (including those selecting E-3D). The temporary suspension will only apply to Form I-539 applications if they are (1) pending as of May 17 and the applicant has not received a biometric services appointment, or (2) filed on or after May 17. Form I-539 applicants who have already received a biometric services appointment notice should attend their scheduled appointment. The agency also said it would retain discretion to request biometrics on a case-by-case basis. The suspension will apply until May 17, 2023, unless extended or revoked by the USCIS director. Background: USCIS disclosed plans for the new biometrics policy last week in a filing in Edakunni v. Mayorkas. This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com. Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.