U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status.
The expansion will occur in phases, with applicants becoming eligible to file premium processing requests as follows:
Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept premium processing requests 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 will accept premium processing requests 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.
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.
USCIS has indicated that the premium processing requests, which are submitted using Form I-907, must be submitted the same way you submit Form I-539 (e.g., online for online filings, paper form for filings submitted by mail.
Applicants must complete their biometrics before premium processing can begin (in other words, even if USCIS accepts an applicant’s Form I-907 and accompanying fees, the premium processing clock will not start running until all applicants included in the filing have completed their biometrics).