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ARTICLE · 19 JULY 2021

USCIS Suspends Biometrics Requirements For Certain I-539 Petitions

Cozen O'Connor
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Form I-539 applicants who have already received a biometric services appointment notice should still attend their scheduled appointment.

United StatesImmigration
Frances Rayer
Frances Rayer
Elizabeth A. Olivera
Elizabeth A. Olivera

On May 13, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will temporarily suspend the biometrics requirements for certain I-539 applicants for a two-year period beginning on May 17, 2021. The biometrics suspension will apply to requests for an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, and E nonimmigrant status. USCIS will allow adjudications for those specific categories to proceed based on biographic information and related background checks without capturing fingerprints and photographs.

This suspension will apply only to the above categories of Form I-539 applications that are either:

  • Pending as of May 17, 2021, and have not yet received a biometric services appointment notice; or

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