As part of efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens on the immigration system, USCIS this month 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. Applicants will also have access to online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.
USCIS is using a phased approach for this expansion to comply with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which prohibits the expansion of premium processing if it will cause delays in processing times for the benefits being requested.
Nonimmigrants requesting premium processing should be aware of the relevant timing and should not file before these dates:
- June 13 -USCIS will begin accepting 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.
- June 26 – USCIS will begin accepting 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 that pre-date these timelines. They also emphasize that this phase of premium processing service applies exclusively to change of status requests and is not available to those pursuing an extension of stay in M-1 or M-2 status.
How to submit form I-907
Form I-907 should be submitted the same way Form I-539 was submitted. In other words, those who mailed a paper Form I-539 to us should also mail a paper Form I-907, while those who submitted Form I-539 online should also submit Form I-907 online.
Before premium processing can begin, applicants must submit their biometrics. Even if USCIS accepts an applicant’s Form I-907 and fees, the time limit for premium processing won’t begin until the applicant and co-applicants included on the Form I-539 submit their biometrics. Applicants should avoid submitting a Form I-907 and/or Form I-539 with another benefit request or grouping multiple Forms I-907 requests together.
For more information on USCIS premium processing and how to file a Form I-907 online, click here.
Speak With An Immigration Attorney
If you are considering submitting a change of status it is important to understand the nuanced filing instructions so that USCIS premium processing forms can be processed efficiently. We at Reeves Immigration Law Group can help clarify any questions you may have around this development. Speak with an immigration attorney today to clarify any step of the process and ensure all paperwork is filled out correctly.
