Effective May 17, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) is expected to remove biometrics requirements for
certain dependent applicants filing Form I-539 including H-4, L-2,
E-1, E-2 and E-3.
Overview
In various applications, petitions and requests, USCIS requires
applicants to visit their local Application Support Center (ASC) to
attend a biometrics appointment and to provide fingerprints,
photograph and/or signature. In March 2019, USCIS implemented a
requirement for all individuals submitting Form I-539 to complete
biometrics, which includes dependent spouses and children of H-1B,
L-1 and E statuses.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted USCIS' ability to provide the
in-person biometrics service in a timely manner and as such, the
agency is experiencing a substantial processing backlog of
dependent H-4, L-2, E cases. The backlog also impacts any related
Form I-765 Employment Authorization applications, as the I-765
cannot be approved until the
