USCIS Expands Premium Processing – Now Available for F1, M1, and J1 Change of Status

Author: Gabriella Manolache, Esq.

OVERVIEW

     

    Greetings to all our viewers! Today, we are thrilled to bring you some excellent news that promises to positively impact the immigration application process. In this video, we’re excited to announce that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken a significant step towards streamlining the processing of certain immigration cases. This expansion of premium processing services is particularly valuable for those considering a change of status to nonimmigrant categories F, M, or J. Let’s dive into the details of this groundbreaking development.

    Understanding Premium Processing: A Quick Overview

    Before we delve into the specifics, let’s briefly discuss what premium processing entails and what it does not entail. Essentially, premium processing is an optional service offered by USCIS that allows applicants to expedite the processing of their cases by paying an additional fee. The processing timeframes for various case types are specified by USCIS based on the nature of the application. This service has long been recognized as a boon for those who wish to expedite their immigration cases.  However, it does not guarantee an approval of a petition or make approval more likely.

    A New Expansion of Premium Processing

    Now, the reason for our excitement today is that USCIS has expanded the range of case types eligible for premium processing services. Previously, this service was not available for change of status applications related to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant statuses. However, as of June 13th, 2023, a welcome change has taken place. USCIS will now accept premium processing requests for individuals who are seeking a change of status to any of the aforementioned nonimmigrant classifications statuses.

    The Crucial Dates and Procedure

    Mark your calendars, because this expansion comes with specific dates for implementation. Starting June 13th, 2023, Form I-907 requests for premium processing can be submitted either via paper filing or online. This applies to applicants who are in the process of seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 and have a pending Form I-539 application for extending or changing nonimmigrant status. A subsequent phase begins on June 26th, 2023. From this date, Form I-907 requests can be filed, either through paper or online submission, for applicants seeking a change of status to the aforementioned nonimmigrant statuses. Notably, this second phase requires the concurrent filing of Form I-539.

    An Added Advantage for Students and Nonimmigrants

    The significance of this expansion cannot be overstated. For many individuals in the United States seeking a change of status to a student or exchange visitor category, the processing times have often presented challenges. Imagine a scenario where someone’s school or medical residency is set to commence on a specific date, and yet their change of status application is still pending. This disparity can lead to procedural complications. However, with the inclusion of these case types in the premium processing service, applicants now have the potential to expedite the processing of their cases, ensuring a smoother transition into their desired status.

    A Boost for Flexibility and Efficiency

    We firmly believe that this expansion of premium processing services is a commendable step in the right direction. A broader range of eligible case types equates to enhanced flexibility for those navigating the immigration process. The ability to accelerate the processing of immigration cases through premium processing can be a game-changer, particularly in scenarios where time sensitivity is a factor.

    In Conclusion

    In conclusion, this development is undoubtedly a positive one for the immigration community. USCIS’s decision to extend premium processing services to a wider range of case types is a testament to their commitment to improving the immigration experience. As we always emphasize, being informed is a crucial part of successfully navigating immigration procedures. We encourage you to share this video with anyone who may benefit from this invaluable information.

    Share this post | Ashoori Law
    Posted in ,
    Ashoori Law4.8
    Based on 1014 reviews
    You Are T.
    My wife successfully immigrated to the United States from Tunisia, filing with Ashoori Law Firm. My assigned Lawyer was Giselle Rodriguez. I am a US Citizen, my wife a Tunisian National.
    Married my wife in Tunisia back in Aug of 2023, began filing immediately for a Marriage Visa beginning with a I-130. The initial lawyer fee was $3,500 paired with a Filing fee if $500 roughly. i spent about 4500 overall id say from start to finish getting my wife to the USA.
    Giselle and her team (Vanessa - manager and Julia - assistant) were kind, and friendly, quite knowledgeable.
    Giselle handled filing and ordering evidences.
    Julia was helpful with aiding us in putting together out interview documents and visa filing.
    whenever communications was difficult Vanessa was swift to respond and get answers. I will warn immigration takes time.
    As a US citizen filing for my spouse our I-130 took approx 14 months to be approved, our visa application around 4 months, Embassy interview about 2 months, plus 2 weeks to get her Passport with the visa in it back. upon landing USCIS customs was a little challenging as they first couldnt find her file. SO I STRONGLY SUGGEST bringing copies of all files related with you at the ready. we made it through though and now we are together finally as of 11-24-25. it took it over 2 years filing but with Ashoori we have successfully united. They are simple and easy, they go above and beyond to ensure youre peace of mind that all will go smoothly.

    They will walk you step by step through the whole process and make it work.
    John C.
    They assigned an attorney to me and he made the process easy and painless, my application went through right away with no issues. I would recommend them to everyone who needs assistance with their immigration process
    Al P.
    I would like to thank Ashoori law for getting my E2 visa approved.  Michael’s entire team was incredibly helpful and proactive with continuous follow-ups on the case status. The Business Plan team was also very cooperative and patiently worked through multiple edits and revisions (they revised the draft seven times without any hesitation!).

    A very special mention about our assigned attorney Pardeep Singh.  Pardeep was fantastic to work with, friendly, highly organized, attentive to the smallest details, and always pushing us to prepare documents accurately and on time. We were very impressed with the attorney letter and supporting materials he submitted to the Consulate.  He accommodated our schedules for meetings and prepared us thoroughly for the interview, which made a big difference in our confidence.

    I highly recommend Ashoori Law!
    Jane kenneth Y.
    Ashoori law respond immediately and they are very accommodating. They answered all the questions and inquiries I asked. Thanks for all of you. Thanks sir Davidson!
    Jenn V.
    Thank you for given me such a great attorney to take my case and she helped me all the way until everything was aproved. I will definitely recommend you fir family and friends
    Rohan S.
    Ashoori helped me with EB2 NIW I140 applications and it was approved. The was RFE was raised and the team was able to handle it without any issue. They got me connected to Lawyer Miguel J Diaz and he helped draft the whole process.

    Highly recommend Ashoori !
    John P.
    What can I say, a great decision period to work with Ashoori Law. I really needed to get my L1A visa to run my expanded business in the US and I am happy to say I was approved with ease!! It was great working with my lawyer, answering all my questions and helping make the process stress free!
    Neha K.
    Highly recommend Ashoori law firm for any and all immigration questions / needs. Very knowledgeable and professional, and very helpful in the way they treat their clients.
    Justin D.
    My cousin Sam had a great experience working with Nathan West at Ashoori Law. Nathan was professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive throughout the process. He explained everything clearly and made the experience smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend him and the Ashoori Law team.
    Michael Ashoori Headshot

    Michael Ashoori, Esq.

    President of Ashoori Law

    I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

    Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

    Got a question? Send me an email.