USCIS Announced an Expansion of Premium Processing for Nonimmigrants Seeking to Change their Status into F, M, or J Visas

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On June 12, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 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. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.

The premium processing expansion for certain Form I-539 applicants occurred in phases:

  •  Beginning June 13, USCIS began 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.

  • Beginning June 26, USCIS began 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 also provided several important reminders and clarifications:

  • This phase of premium processing service is only available for change of status requests. Premium processing is not available for individuals seeking an extension of stay in M-1 or M-2 status.

  • Individuals must submit Form I-907 the same way they submitted Form I-539.

    • Ex. If an applicant mailed a paper Form I-539 to us, they must mail a paper Form I-907; and if they submitted Form I-539 online, they must submit Form I-907 online.

  • 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.

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