Blog Layout

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

Gabriela Ungo • Jun 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


Need Assistance?


For questions regarding about study, academic or training visa options in the United States please contact us !

USCIS Fee Increase Effective April 1, 2024

By Gabriela Ungo • 01 Feb, 2024
The USCIS Final Fee Rule will be effective as of April 1, 2024. It includes an overall weighted average increase of 40% in application fees
USCIS will soon be announcing the opening of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B Lottery.

Preparing for FY 2025 H-1B Lottery and Timeline

By Gabriela Ungo • 30 Jan, 2024
USCIS will soon be announcing the opening of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B Lottery. arch 1, 2024 is expected to be the first day on which USCIS will accepts H1B registrations for the fiscal year 2025 that begins on October 1, 2024.

DOS Provides Guidance Domestic H-1B Visas Renewals for Certain Applicants

By Gabriela Ungo • 20 Jan, 2024
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released guidance and FAQs on the pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements.

USCIS Premium Processing Fee increases February 26, 2024

By Gabriela Ungo • 29 Dec, 2023
Effective February 26, 2024, premium processing fees will increase from $2,500 to $2,805; from $1,750 to $1,965; and from $1,500 to $1,685

DHS Issues Proposes Rule to Modernize H-1B Program

By Gabriela Ungo • 29 Oct, 2023
On October 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modernize and improve the H-1B visa program. DHS will accept public comments until December 22, 2023.

DOS Expected to begin Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot in Early 2024

By Gabriela Ungo • 19 Oct, 2023
Limited to principal H-1B applicants, the stateside visa renewal pilot program is expected to kick off early 2024, and will be available to nationals of countries that are not subject to visa reciprocity fees, such as India.

Employment Authorization Validity Increased for Certain Categories

By Gabriela Ungo • 27 Sep, 2023
USCIS to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Extends and Redesignates TPS for Ukraine

By Gabriela Ungo • 19 Aug, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025
Optional Form I-9 remote document examination alternatives issued by DHS

End of COVID related I-9 Employment Verification Flexibilities Announced

By Gabriela Ungo • 03 Aug, 2023
Department of Homeland Security issues optional alternatives to In-person physical document examination related to Form I-9 for Employers participating in E-Verify pursuant COVID flexibilities

USCIS Completes Second Lottery Selection for FY2024 H-1B Cap

By Gabriela Ungo • 31 Jul, 2023
On July 31, 2023, USCIS announced that it selected a sufficient number of H-1B registrations projected to reach the cap and has notified all prospective petitioners from this round of lottery selection that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition.
More Posts
Share by: