The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently made an exciting announcement that’s bound to make waves in the immigration sector. Beginning June 13, 2023, the USCIS is expanding its premium processing services to include applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This change is especially pertinent for individuals seeking to change their status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status.
Phased Expansion for Premium Processing
The rollout for this expanded service won’t happen all at once. Instead, the USCIS will introduce it in phases. The first phase will start on June 13, during which USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, via paper form or online. This applies to those who have a pending Form I-539 and are looking to alter their status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2.
The second phase, commencing June 26, allows for Form I-907 requests to be submitted concurrently with Form I-539. However, please note that the premium processing service will be strictly limited to change of status requests. Those seeking an extension of stay in M-1 or M-2 status will not be eligible for premium processing.
Key Considerations
Bear in mind that any premium processing requests received before the stipulated dates will be rejected by the USCIS. It’s also important to note that you must submit Form I-907 in the same manner as you submit Form I-539. That means if you submit Form I-539 via mail or online, Form I-907 must be submitted in the same fashion.
Prior to the commencement of premium processing, applicants will have to submit their biometrics. The processing timeline will only begin once the applicant and all co-applicants listed on the Form I-539 have submitted their biometrics.
Filing Form I-907 Online
If you plan to file Form I-907 online, you must first establish a USCIS online account. Creating an account is free of charge and provides users with the ability to submit forms, pay fees, track the status of any pending USCIS immigration request throughout the adjudication process, and communicate with USCIS via a secure inbox.
USCIS’ Efforts Towards Greater Efficiency
The decision to expand premium processing forms a part of the USCIS’ ongoing endeavors to enhance efficiency and alleviate burdens on the overall immigration system. By adopting a phased approach, the USCIS aims to ensure compliance with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which disallows any expansion of premium processing if it results in increased processing times for immigration benefit requests.
In conclusion, this expansion of premium processing represents a significant step forward in making the immigration process more accessible and efficient. As always, we recommend seeking professional guidance to navigate the often complex immigration procedures.
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please don’t hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.