The U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This will be effective through September 30th, 2023 and available to any recipient seeking to extend their stay in or change the status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status.

USCIS will allow adjudications for those cases previously mentioned to proceed based on biographic information and related background checks – without capturing fingerprints and a photograph. However, USCIS holds discretion to require some biometrics for any applicant. In any event where they require biometrics, the applicant may be scheduled for an appointment to submit their fingerprints and photographs at the application support center.

Applicants meeting the biometrics suspension criteria do not need to submit the $85 biometric services fee for Form I-539 during the suspension period. USCIS will return the $85 biometrics fee if submitted separately from the base fee; however, in the event that Form I-539 is submitted under a single payment, combining both base and biometrics fees, will result in a rejection; applicant would then have to re-file without a biometric services fee.