USCIS Expands Premium Processing to Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status

Gabriela Ungo • June 12, 2023

USCIS announced the phased expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 visa status.

On June 12, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an expansion of premium processing service for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to  to applicants wishing to change nonimmigrant status to:


  • F-1 Visa Status (Academic student),
  • F-2 Visa Status Spouse and child of F-1
  • M-1 Visa Status (Vocational Student)
  • M-2 Visa Status (Spouse and child of M-1),
  • J-1 Visa Status (Exchange Visitors) and
  • J-2 Visa Status (Spouse and child of J-1 visa status).


Premium Processing requests are filed on Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. The expansion of premium processing for certain Form I-539 applicants will occur in phases, and nonimmigrants requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:


  • Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept premium process requests, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, who have a pending Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
  • Beginning June 26, USCIS will accept premium process requests for applicants filing Form I-359, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status.



The cost to seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status via premium process is $1,750 plus the I-539 application filing fee. USCIS will make a decision within 30 calendar days once all prerequisites, including receipt of biometrics, have been met


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