USCIS ELIMINATES BIOMETRIC SERVICES FEE FOR ALL FORM I-539 APPLICANTS

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it will be permanently eliminating the biometrics service fee, $85.00, when filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Previously, USCIS had temporarily suspended biometric services fees for only H-4, L-2, and E applicants.

Effective October 1, 2023, all applicants who file Form-I-539 to extend or change their nonimmigrant status will no longer be required to submit a biometrics service fee as part of the application process. If an applicant mistakenly submits the biometric services fee, USCIS will issue the applicant a refund.

Further, USCIS has stated that most applicants who file Form-I-539 after Oct. 1^st will not be scheduled to attend a biometric services appointment. If USCIS determines that biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice with information about appearing for their biometric services appointment. If an applicant has already been scheduled to appear for a biometrics services appointment, the applicant should still attend the appointment as scheduled.