USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change to F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status

USCIS announced the expansion of premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. These applicants will be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, online or via paper form.

The premium processing expansion for these categories will occur in phases.

• Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept 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.
• Beginning June 26, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed via either 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 a Form I-539.

USCIS will reject premium processing requests for a pending Form I-539 if they receive the request before June 13. USCIS will reject premium processing requests when filed together with a Form I-539 if we receive the request before June 26.

Important Reminders
All applicants included on Form I-539 must submit their biometrics before premium processing can begin. 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, for these specific categories.

Please note, USCIS may reject your Form I-907 and/or Form I-539 if it is submitted with another benefit request, including multiple Form I-907 requests filed together.

You must submit Form I-907 the same way you submit Form I-539:

• If you mail a paper Form I-539, you must mail a paper Form I-907; or
• If you submit Form I-539 online, you must submit Form I-907 online.

To file Form I-907 online, an applicant must first create a USCIS online account, which provides a convenient and secure method to submit forms, pay fees, and track the status of a pending case. There is no cost to set up a USCIS online account, which offers superior user experience over paper filing. Only F-1, F-2, M-1 and M-2 students, and J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors may file Form I-907 online at this time.