WHAT HAPPENED:
USCIS announced today, June 12, 2023, that they will be expanding premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. USCIS will also make the online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, available for these applicants. This expansion will occur in phases:
- Starting TOMORROW (6/13): USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests (paper or online versions) for individuals seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, who already have a PENDING Form I-539.
- Starting IN TWO WEEKS (6/26): USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests (paper or online version) for individuals seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status when filed WITH Form I-539.
This phase will be available only for change of status requests and will NOT be available for individuals who are seeking an extension of stay in M-1 or M-2 status. Additionally, even after submitting Form I-907 with the filing fee of $1,750, USCIS will NOT upgrade to premium processing until after the applicant has submitted their biometrics.
WHAT IT MEANS:
This is a positive development for students and exchange visitors, as it allows them to obtain the necessary documentation and authorization to study or work in the U.S. more quickly than before. Applying for premium processing in these cases GUARANTEES that, once all prerequisites have been met, USCIS will take adjudicative action on the case within 30 calendar days. USCIS will hopefully continue this trend of expansion in premium processing, as it speeds up processing time for applicants and enhances efficiency.
