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