The United States has recently announced the extension of premium processing services for individuals who are seeking to change their visa status to F, M, or J visas. This extension specifically applies to applicants who are already present in the United States on a different type of visa and wish to transition to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status.
This expansion of premium processing services is a part of the USCIS’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and alleviate burdens within the immigration system as a whole.
It’s important to note that any premium processing requests for pending Form I-539 applications received before June 13 will be rejected. Similarly, if a premium processing request is submitted along with a Form I-539, USCIS will reject the request if received before June 26. The USCIS has provided this clarification to ensure applicants are aware of the timelines and procedures regarding premium processing requests.
In order to initiate premium processing for the mentioned visa categories, applicants are required to complete the submission of their biometric information.
It is important to note that the premium processing timeframe will not commence until the applicant and all co-applicants listed on the Form I-539 have successfully submitted their biometrics, even if USCIS accepts the Form I-907 and associated fees.
If an applicant submits their Form I-907 and/or Form I-539 along with another request for a different benefit, including multiple Form I-907 requests filed together, USCIS retains the right to reject those submissions.