Beginning October 1, 2023, USCIS exempts the Form I-539 biometric services fee for all applicants who file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Such applicants no longer need to pay the fee if their application is postmarked October 1, 2023, or later.
In most cases, USCIS will not schedule a biometric services appointment for Form I-539 applicants who filed the application that is postmarked October 1, 2023, or later. Still, USCIS may schedule the appointment for certain Form I-539 applicants and issue a notice of their biometric services appointment. Applicants who receive such notice should attend the scheduled biometric services.
If applicants mistakenly submit the biometric services fee, USCIS will return the fee and accept the Form I-539 so long as they paid the fee separately from the Form I-539 fee. However, if applicants submit a combined biometric services fee and Form I-539 fee, USCIS will consider it an incorrect filing and reject the Form I-539. If applicants submit authorization of credit card payment of combined biometric services fee and Form I-539 fee, USCIS will charge only the Form I-539 fee and accept the application.
This biometric services fee exemption will apply to all applicants who file Form I-539 application on or after October 1, 2023. Such applicants include those filing Form I-539 to seek an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant for whom USCIS had suspended the biometrics requirement through September 30, 2023.
For the original announcement, please visit here.
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