The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has broadened the availability of premium processing to include certain applicants who use Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status, and who are seeking to change to F-1 or F-2 (academic students and dependents), M-1 or M-2 (vocational students and dependents), or J-1 or J-2 (exchange visitors and dependents) status. Eligible applicants may now request faster processing by submitting Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, either online or by mail.
Background: What Premium Processing Is
Premium processing is a paid service offered by USCIS that provides expedited review of specific employment-based and non-immigrant benefit forms. When a request meets all filing requirements and includes the correct Form I-907 fee, USCIS guarantees an adjudicative action within a set number of business days. If that deadline is not met, the premium processing fee is refunded.
Processing times differ by form type:
- 15 business days for most Form I-129 and Form I-140 classifications
- 30 business days for Form I-765 applications
- 30 business days for Form I-539 applicants changing to F, M, or J status once biometrics are complete
- 45 business days for Form I-140 E13 (multinational executives and managers) and E21 (national interest waiver) categories
The premium-processing clock begins when USCIS receives a properly completed Form I-907 with a valid signature, correct fee, and all required information as outlined in the USCIS Fee Schedule. If a request for evidence or notice of intent to deny is issued, the timer pauses and restarts once a response is received.
Expansion to F, M, and J Applicants
The June 2023 announcement extended premium processing to individuals requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2. Applicants who use Form I-539 for this purpose may now request expedited processing through Form I-907.
The rollout occurred in two phases. Beginning June 13, 2023, USCIS started accepting Form I-907 for applicants who already had a pending Form I-539 to change status to one of the eligible categories. Starting June 26, 2023, USCIS began accepting Form I-907 when filed together with a new Form I-539. Requests filed before those dates are rejected.
This service applies only to change-of-status requests and is not available for extensions of stay in M-1 or M-2 status. Applicants must submit Form I-907 using the same method as their Form I-539. Paper submissions require both forms to be mailed, and online submissions require both forms to be filed through the USCIS online account system.
Processing and Biometrics
For these specific categories, the premium processing clock does not start until biometrics have been completed for the applicant and any co-applicants included on Form I-539. Even when fees and forms are accepted, the official 30-day period does not begin until USCIS receives biometric data. Submitting multiple Form I-907 requests or combining them with other immigration benefits can result in rejection.
Applicants who file online must create a free USCIS online account. This secure portal allows users to file forms, pay fees, receive case updates, communicate with USCIS, and respond to requests for evidence electronically.
Purpose and Compliance
USCIS states that this expansion is part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and reduce overall processing times across the immigration system. The phased implementation is designed to comply with the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which prevents expansions that would negatively affect regular processing for other benefit requests.
Sources: